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