Rum Runners

Two nights ships toiling wild sea's weather      

One hunting, one hunted, closing together

The hunted’s cargo shifting round soaked deck

Would the Ghost Coast witness another wreck

 

Rain pelting down, men sweat and groan

Is the Rum Runner just a floating headstone

Loosening rigging begins slashing all round

Whipping wherever indiscriminatingly bound

 

Strained cargo shifting, just a first tease

A tense foretelling of the blackest displease

Till Hell breaks free smashing all in its stead

Cursing and crushing where the Devil tread

 

More blood sacrificed for the Devil’s brew

Silent prayers uttered by few left of crew

But work continues neath care less howling gale

As cursed Devil’s brew, slices through ship’s rail

 

Heavily heeled over, hard going on their way

But the Black Hand’s holds them in cruel sway

Wildest wind screams with darkest delight

While desolate Rum runners’ take night flight

 

Some sorry souls crushed, wash over ship’s side

Each culpable crewman, robbed of more pride

Tho’ some accursed brew still stored safely aside

Heartless, the Devil rides with them dry-eyed.

 

Through black mist and harsh stinging spray

As black of night yields to coming storm day

While snaking ‘tween great rollers off ghost coast

“Frigate ahead” yelled out, from starboard post

 

With Lashes of weather, slashing his face

A yell, “Hard about”, signals start of grim race

Hard pressed crew struggles to bring ‘er about

Behind them, ship’s cannons loudly sound out

 

Rum ship wallows between crushing waves

No chance of escape while beating sideways,

Cries of protest ring through masts and stays

As cannon ball broadside’s bring end of days

 

While in those cities along rum runner’s coast

Where unending liquor has long been the host

Where drunken patrons raise glass in a toast

They think not of any lost rum runner ghost

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoyed your story poem very much about the rum runners. Very descriptive and your posted image caught my attention too. I quite like a drop of rum myself from time to time, providing it is drowned in coke. Hope all is good Dave.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Thanks Chris
All is well altho the budget is complaining with Xmas a-coming
Hope you are doing fine

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

33 views and I’m the first to leave a note. Mmmm
This is fabulous I love the language and inclusion of rum me hearty
I’m a tea totalled ex drinker sober for several years. 2017. That’s when I took up my writing again
Hope you have a great weekend
Ps father was in navy

[Dave Brown]

Avast!!
Daughter of a navy man!!!
No wonder you drank me hearty(ette).
However drinking was the direct cause of my brother-in-law's death (a great guy) so it is good you stopped.
Yes man, for whatever reason I tend to get very few comments/reviews which makes your visit all that much more appreciated
Take care

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Well the whole family drank in their life at one point except mum
Thanks 🙏

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Sorry to hear of your brother in laws Demise

[Dave Brown]

each time I end up in the hospital, which happens too often, the first thing I am asked is, "Do you drink"