no grave but the sea

figurehead small
ear shanty, ritual capstan strain

flag-crack sail hoist rope run

settle fair wind thirst atlantic swell

journey, unknown horizon, hope, doubt, trepidation

lead swinging three sheets

colours nailed yardarm awash

line crossed adrift

sun-scorched deck bleach doldrums

pump weathering tack

Eternal Father foaming deep rock tempest

 

No roses on a sailor’s grave

 

On  a sailor’s grave there are no roses

On a seaman’s grave there bloom no Edelweiss

The only ornaments are the white gulls

And the many tears a girl is weeping

 

translation from a German sea shanty

 

…the sea gods will take their toll – Joseph Conrad

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