Gradually

Sleepy lethargy took hold

of the nightwatcher

As his weary flesh, blood and bones

Fought to stay awake

Waiting patiently for break of day

With sodden wet clothes

Clinging to bones

He breathed cold air into hands

Whilst dreams of warmer lands enticed...

Imperceptibly at first

It came,

A distant sound

Carried softly on the wind.

He strained to listen

Doubting his senses,

listening to the remote strains

Of a far off harmony.

He deliberately slowed his breathing

To listen more as his eyes strained against

The screen of fog restricting his view

Then again came the harmony

Only to fade and die,

Leaving him feeling strangely bereft.

He walked to starboard

Delight blooming in his heart

Leaning further overboard

Enraptured and entranced

He heard it once again

He was falling ever deeper

Succumbing to the wail

Of the sirens call