The Captain

Hymn form with story telling ;)

from military wikia.org.

The Captain

The night before, he down'd a mash

from sweat filled leather coils. 

'Twas blended by a brewer's mule 

with bit 'n harness boil'd.

The brine it damp'd his coal black hair;

and plumed the ocean's spray.

The girls in harbor towns for fare

lent beds for him to stay.

the Captain meant to sail that morn;

but, drunk as he could be,

his snores were heard throughout the town

he'd slept in reverie.

Miss Mary came and rousted him

with thick dry gin tinged tongue.

He waked and shook the guilt of sin

from shoulders broadly strung.

His ship was larboard bound and fast;

Her mainsl' tightly wrapped. 

She listed port and once again

she swept him in her grasp. 

He leapt on board; cried " 'Way the ropes!

Step lively ye young fools.

We're off the docks for Neptune's hope

to breach his trident's rule."

From bully pulpit Captain's voice

boomed deep and cleft his scowl.

Commanding all, no room for choice,

his gaze held 'fore the prow.

  

His chiseled chin cut clean the waves

with words of billowed clouds.

His masts stood fast, the sea it laved,

in tune with sirens' shrouds. 

That day he sailed, an albatross

did follow  passed the breaks.

Ne'er once he feared to pay the cost

for Ocean's firm embrace.

The birds left off without a cry;

Cap's eyes held keen ahead.

He failed to heed the ghostly sighs

of sailors lost and dead.

His blue eyed soul was seen no more

When  stern fell oft the world

Bewitched they say by treasures stored

Within his dreams ..... 'tis told.

06/28/2021

E.

Author's Note

I hope you like this, my second attempt at the Hymn form which Emily Dickenson used so vividly with glimpses at her rebellion within her verse. Thank you Richard for your tips and editing. You will see that some of your points inspired me further and there are further changes you have not read. I also want to thank jacob for challenging me to write a poem using the term "bully pulpit" .. I had reviewed one of his poems and used the term and his response included the challenge. I also want to thank Pryde for also challenging me to write this second hymn form poem with a handsome man with dark hair as its protagonist. She had mentioned my doing that after reading my first hymn poem "Grace?" ...I have been so uninspired for months and not even caring about it. So friends who challenge us during such times are extra inspirational .. so thank you Pryde, jacob and Richard. Maybe this will get me out of the doldrums. :)))

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

This is perfect writing of a period and a style. Proving without doubt that you are the antithesis of a one trick pony. I am honestly in awe of this Gener. It is simply superb and I wish I could do it. Not only Dickenson but Coleridge, even Melville is here and it launches across the waves with so much fervour with a vocubulary to envy to the nth degree.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh man! i am thoroughly humbled by your remarks, Ken .. honest and true .. thank you .. what a boost of encouragement you have blessed me with ... love and peace brother!
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

What an interesting story you told here....perhaps true, perhaps a bit of lore passed down. I truly enjoyed it. The rhyme was downright flawless. E, you have outdone yourself. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Lydi ... glad you enjoyed the story .. given the times back then .. there is most likely some truth in this .. maybe not all the same Captain .. but a combination or two. luv ya! top o' the mahnin' lass!
E.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I found this to be a very enteraining read. excellent work.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks Rocker! glad you enjoyed .. couldn't ask for a better reaction .. see you 'round the hood eh!?
E.