Sea Widow Shanty

Oh, the things we sing to our furry little monsters!

Set sail, Oh my Skipper
Across the wide blue
While I am waiting
At home here for you
I love you, I love you
I love you ere long
Set sail, Oh my Skipper
Back where you belong

Set sail, Oh my Skipper
So brave and so true
Long years I’ve spent dreaming
And longing for you
The skies are now turning
The tides now are strong
Can you hear me singing
Your sweet sailor’s song

Set sail, Oh my Skipper
I watch and I pray
For strong winds to carry you
Far from away
Your sails are my footsteps
Your ship is my door
Set sail, Oh my Skipper
And then sail no more

-Zoe Richardson (2023)

Author's Note

I started singing the first few lines to my cat, Skipper, one day. I'm always making up songs about him. So I sat down and finished it and now when I sing it to him, his eyes get wide and he nods his head like, "That's right, homies. I'm famous!"

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed more rhythmic metred and rhyming poetry set in a sea shanty.

[Zoe Richardson]

There are lots of songs sailors sing while working away on their ship. I thought about what those waiting for them to come home might sing. And then sang it to my cat, Skipper. Thank you for coming to read my work. I do hope you will not be a stranger!

[Gee]

Flawless rhyme and rhythm. Clever you, lucky cat :)

[Zoe Richardson]

My dad as constantly making up songs, and alternate lyrics to songs. So I come by it honestly. He is the reason I can't sing certain hymns with a straight face! As for Skipper...he's a treat obsessed food stealing orange cuddle monster. Of course I'm going to sing to him.

[Sami Khalil]

You should be a song writer too; Nashville might come knocking. You have the talent indeed.
I like that you are honoring the furry friends; particularly your Skipper.

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh, my goodness! That is high praise. I do write songs. My next post will be for you, so you can let Music Row know I'm waiting!

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe! You are so kind. Check Muscle Shoals or Sun Studios to record your works; whoever is more convenient for you.

[e]

I really enjoyed the rhyme and rhythm of the second stanza , I very much enjoyed reading this such a lovely imagery!!

[Zoe Richardson]

Awww! Thank you. I love making up songs as I go through the day. It is so nice to have them appreciated!

[Patricia]

I love poetry of water, it's a personal fear but I love to read of it. It makes me feel closer to it's depths without the fear. this is beautiful and rhythmic and flows very well. I am sure your cat has the same thought on water, love the words but hates the water, cats! Don't blame them :) well done

[Zoe Richardson]

You are so right! My cat is both terrified of water and fascinated by it. He is bad to claw at me when he wants something (usually treats) and I have to get out my water gun to avoid some painful injuries. After one squirt, all I have to do is show it to him and the claws retract. As a PIsces, I love water. It is a recurring theme in my poetry. I cannot be content if I do not live near water, and am most at peace when I can hear it running! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and fears. For what it is worth, I am terrified of stinging insects. For this reason, I will not grow flowering plants!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

This is really good. I like it.

[Zoe Richardson]

Why thank you! It is a decent effort for something I just tossed out while trying to entertain a spoiled feline. Thank you for your thoughtful praise.

[Lydia Shutter]

What lovely lyrics. I am sure your cat loves it when you sing to him. I liked the rhythm and rhyme. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

I love that you sing to your cat:) Even better that he recognizes it’s his song:) I sang along too Zoe. Not that you would want to hear my efforts. Fun lyrics. All the best.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

If you want to sing along with my efforts, the tune is a mash up of 'Be Thou My Vision' and 'Flow Gently Sweet Afton.' I am constantly mixing up similar tunes and coming up with something different. It drove my music teachers crazy. Please feel free t make your own version for your cat/dog/parakeet/goldfish. Sing like no one is listening!

[Chris Shaw]

Ha! I will Zoe :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Zoe. I liked the dance of words. A nursery rhyme for a missed love and some hope. Thank you dear friend for sharing the entertaining poetry.
Coyote

[Zoe Richardson]

You are welcome! And thank you for reading. Maybe one day I will figure out how to add a file of my singing when I post song lyrics!

[Ken Simm.]

The flow of this song is so wonderful. Like the tides. I don't know what your cat thought but I think it is a gorgeous use of words. Words that make you hear the tune automatically. Excellent concept.

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh my! What lovely praise. I am always making up little songs and turning melodies into some form of entertainment. The other day I made up a funny song about my cat constantly begging for treats to the tune of "Here We Go A Caroling." My dad did the same thing, so I come by it honestly. Stop by again soon. You never know what my brain will cook up!