The Deep

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The deep, below a darkness flows,

of rusted chain and coral reef

Lo' sunken ships lie crooked rows,

alone, if any lost relief

 

A cavern cast the black abyss

where creatures stir of folklore song

and sailors long the destined kiss

in murky stillness traveled long

 

O' ye of every merchant's tale

where tankards spill the rotted floor

As yardarms wield a weathered sail

through tempest storms of fears that pour

 

These angered waves of wretched feed,

o’er nightfall echoes hollow scream

Now cry for one last final deed,

an answer falls a desperate dream

 

For seas they call in moaning chill

to those of rugged mind and soul

with offers of a quest to fill

at depths beyond their known control

 

To find the chest of treasured spree,

yon beaches and their quarry hold

Now swinging from the highest tree,

mid riches penned in stories told

 

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Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is the second poem I've read here today relating to the sea and ships. Not that I mind, you understand, I love the sea and ships! I've always dreamed of sailing on a barkentine bound to some distant island to buy spices; drinking rum and dancing on the beach by the bonfires of brown skinned natives beneath swaying coconut palms. I can hear the drums echoing across the waves of my dreams. Nicely penned, my friend.

[willweb]

Thanks so much Fabian. Happy you came along on this seafaring journey

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poetry Will. I adore the sea.
"These angered waves of wretched feed,
o’er nightfall echoes hollow scream
Now cry for one last final deed,
an answer falls a desperate dream"
I liked the above lines. When I was young and strong. I suicided boarded three years of the Pacific Winter storms. To dance with the sea. So amazing. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[willweb]

Thank you again and again my friend. I too am called by the sea often but never have I traveled as this poem speaks.

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome Will. I need water near.

[Chris Shaw]

So fascinating is the history of sunken ships and the many reasons for their demise. From weather, warfare or pirates, I love everything to do with the mystery of the deep. Very nicely composed will. A great read.

[willweb]

Thanks so very much Chris. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I think we are all ships, destined to travel our chosen waves, battered and bruised, shipwrecked and broken. In the end, we all sink into the deep, the water turning to earth. This is truly lovely! Such a great poetic pen.

[willweb]

Thanks so much Linda Marie. I hope this wasn't too deep. : ) Yes, indeed we are all like ships at sea, some stay afloat and reach a safe harbor and others sink like a rock. That's why I always have plenty of poetic life preservers on hand when I ship out. I appreciate you stopping by.

[Re-Pete]

great poem. an adventurous yarn. i enjoyed this. there sure is a lot down there. the depths of the sea have always fascinated me. sunken ships, treasure and the like. movies like titanic only serve to enhance my curiosity. there is just so much history beneath the surface. i love it whenever there is a new find in the news. what treasure did it hold? history is the best treasure of all. nice job ... :)

[willweb]

Hey thanks Pete. I am glad you liked it.

[Re-Pete]

my pleasure. you write really well ... :)

[Dave Brown]

That swinging from the highest tree doesn't sound all that appealing
but you have otherwise done an excellent job of creating a terrible tale of the salty sea
Another example of (W)illweb excellence

[willweb]

Funny, I had second thoughts about that line but it was my reference to the Oak Island mystery where the pulley was supposedly found hanging from a branch on a tree just above where the treasure was buried, so I decided to leave it in. Thanks my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This reminded me of Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck of the Edumund Fitzgerald"---
but hauntingly more beautiful in its verse.
when they knew what was coming and embraced the watery grave.
j.

[willweb]

Thanks Jacob, I appreciate your visit. I know the song and I can see that, though I never really cared for the song.

[Lorry]

Aww, I was at least hoping for a treasure map with an X marks the spot and a warning of "That be beasties here!" written on it.
Probably just as well though as I got grounded last time for digging up our back yard. Grown ups are weird! 😊

[willweb]

They are weird. I remember digging in my backyard trying to reach China...I think I only got to Brazil before my dad made me stop.

[Lorry]

No adventure, those old 'uns 😊

[AYVID N]

Dear Willweb,

The sea is almost hypnotic in its call to those who can heed them and crave its adventures.

Your poem brings to mind all the sailors, ships and treasures lost in the dark deeps. Every verse unravels a mystical aspect of the sea. What legends lie asleep there, what fabled creatures live there, it's just awesome to imagine.

This poem is special, thrilling and I loved every verse.

[willweb]

Ahoy there Divya. : ) Thank you my friend. I am thrilled you stopped by and joined me on this nautical adventure.

[AYVID N]

Absolutely enjoyed, dear Willweb. You're welcome always. 😊💕

[William Michael Reeves]

I really like historical poetry will. This poem crested each verse like waves of words in smooth rolling motion. By chance I watched the movie 'The Bounty' recently. The mystery of what happened to Christian Fletcher and the strength of Captain Bligh was fresh on my mind as I read this poem. Excellent subject well written will. You anchored my opinion that you are a fine poet for sure!

[willweb]

Thank you so much Sir. I am thrilled you enjoyed my little seagoing poem. I have always been fascinated by the sea and the men who sailed her.