I Have Sailed the Seas of Sorrow

Remembering a great father

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and my life has little meaning as I live from day to day.

He was hailed a rugged man by those who knew him well,
but here’s a little different story that only I can tell.

He was a kind and gentle man who gave and never took,
he sailed the waves off Sandy Shore and a place called Pirates Nook.

From the day I came aboard, and I was barely three,
when he held me by his weathered hand, and pointed to the sea.

He talked about the endless waves and the power of the wind,
and praised the ocean as his master, and temperamental friend.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I remember joyful times when the ship would toss and sway.

He made a lasting promise that he kept until the end,
he said he'd call me "daughter", but treat me as a friend.

He was a tough and rugged sailor with a face like coral sand,
but he always had a gentle smile, when he took me by the hand.

“To the fore and to the aft!” he would shout with thunderous glee,
and send me to the misty rails before the wind could flee.

My little Crusty Puffin was the name he called me most,
It became my special name of which he'd often boast.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I remember taking orders with the funny words he'd say.

“Man the larboard spanker and chock the mizzen down,”
then he'd pause in making merry at my silly puzzled frown.

“Forward to the cathead and block the windlass stay,”
and check the forward gunwale; we haven’t got all day.

More words like "bilge and binnacle", and "stow the forward yawl",
he'd taught me strings of sailor's jive, and some I don’t recall.

"Belay the helm and come about, we'll scud before the gale!"
he'd wink, and give his Crusty Puffin a worthy yarn to tell.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I search the sea for reasons as I live from day to day.

One harsh and very stormy night off rugged Puget Sound,
his ship was washed among the rocks, his body never found.

I prayed for days and many weeks, to see him just once more.
my hopes and dreams were always dashed; he never came ashore.

I will never give up hope as I sail the boundless sea,
for I am my father’s daughter, this life was meant for me.

The ocean is my destiny, an alluring loving friend.
and 'pon the waves I'll make my peace, in hopes my heart will mend

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for the poem. It is good to remember the strong and good people in our life. I like the description of your father. We are built to be wise by strong and good teachers. I like the use of the ocean to make your point. Thank you for the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[h d e rushin]

great poem in memory of these men who are so important to our lives.
I remember the night I went to the prom. I was a crazy sort, so I rented a cape, one with a red lining.
My prom date was so angry with me she refused to dance or take a picture. Later that night
I confided to my Dad my disappointment only to find out that he had done some crazy things also
on his prom night which made me feel so much better.

And that's what fathers are. These people that make you feel so much better.
nicely written.
dana