That day,  .... pure madness ..... became the norm
Captains, skippers and boys were as equals
Standing up as if they were completely reborn
Sailors scurried on masts, scaring seagulls

	Squeaky doors of their minds
	Flying off at the hinge
	At the thought of mirages 
	Of land's lusty fringe.

	Those coveted and undiscovered
	By Columbus, Magellan and others.

	Only I will not see
	Those shores abound.
	Since the time I flew 
	Nine knots, ...... ran aground.
	And the goals of lads
	Are as noble as mine.
	And where I now am---
	No one's fault, only mine.

All the frigates--- my brothers, my fleet pass me by,
But the truest of friends swallowed sea's salty spray
Turned their bows to meet open seas, open sky, 
Set their sails in full,....... breaking wave.

	Cursing weather and fortune,
	Fearing nothing but death,
	All my children---my crew
	Have forsaken my decks

	They saluted from lifeboat's cannon
	For Columbus and one for Magellan.

	I can only drink foam.
	Waves cannot reach my lips.
	Tired flanks are exposed
	From the deck to the hips.
	And my flanks are not pretty,
	No hiding the truth.
	Go on look!....At my sores,
	For I cannot be soothed.

Near my rib is a hole---mark of black cannonballs
Scars from ramming by pirates and even...
You can also see slashes where I have been mauled,
Barbs and hooks of the pirates receiving.

	Now my keel is resembling 
	AN old guitar.
	Coral reefs gave my
	Belly a horrible scar.

	I am dying and fading and nearing my doom,
	Cruel saltwater rotting the deepest of wounds.

	Winds are sucking my soul
	Through the gaps and the hole,
	Off the decks, like the trolls
	And my breath they will stall.
	I am helpless before them
	From morning till night.
	Winds are hammering nails
	Through my soul with all might.

Like a brawler unleashed, the wind does what it wants.
This wind IS .......most  UNwelcome ...guest.
May he drown in wine that is stored in my holds,
Or release me from my lengthy rest.

	I took faith in this story 
	Like a trapped wild beast.
	But these winds that are angry,
	I need you the least.

	Masts of mine like arms of a wretch
	Sails like an old breast outstretched.

	There will be a miracle during my watch.
	Dear friend, the good surf,
	Give my body a wash.
	Holy water of ocean's
	Life-giving dew
	Will remove from my bones
	The hated taboo, 
	And will fill up my sails.
	My delay will be through.

I'll catch up to them and forgive
My old friends who forgot to remember.
To my crew, ample decks I'll give.
I cannot keep a grudge for crewmembers.

	Only I think there's not
	Any room in the ranks.
	"Make some room, hey, corvette,
	Or I'll rip up your flanks."

	What's the matter?  I'm back!
	I escaped certain death!
	Dear frigate, stay back!
	We can all catch our breath.

	What is with.....all of you?
	I can leave! ...  Not come back.
	If I once was marooned,
	Is there no way back?
	Let me join your call!
	Sailships aren't we all?
	There'll be enough water for all!
	There'll be enough shores for all!

	Those coveted and undiscovered
	By Columbus, Magellan and others.
            
2005