The calm blue
now gave way to fervent gray skies.

Furies of cloud burst
rattled like musket fire against the sails!

Thunder bellowed & wind tore
sails as if the were made of paper so fine.

Lightning sparked across the sky
revealing the twisted face of the sea.

For this storm knows now what it takes
and shall hold no fear

With heavy heart this burden
I bear.

The sound of masts snapping like bone
under pressure too great
splintering into jagged memories
with violent intent.

The wind gently pushed through sails,
carrying the vessel further from shore.

Seas still with timid temper
this was the calm before the storm.

Oh the fabled calm
how many a weary sailor
sang its song.
The beauty before the gale and the fall.

Boards speak softly
as the ship sweetly
stirs.

Blue crests swell
raising & lowering
the vessel as if to rock her
to sleep.

Oh the fabled calm
how many a weary sailor
sang its song.
The beauty before the gale and the fall.

The whirring of the beacon
drummed low and steady

The light burning its way
through the night

That light,
oh how brightly it shone

For it stayed lit
to guide the mariner
home.

At night
&
during day
The maiden, oh how sweetly she'd
pray.

That beacon, fueled by love
contested the sun
and its brilliant shine.

For it stayed lit
to guide the mariner
home.

The low wind howled
against the creaking
&
moaning of ships.

Dark clouds blotted out
all hopeful rays of the sun.

Small drops of water blotted
chestnut colored planks

Fraying aged ropes wet with sea mist
tug and pull taught
as vessels heave up and down.

Sails shake tirelessly
in the careless throws
of the wind.

Her words, like sweet drops of wine,
fall softly from her saddened lips.

"Must you go?
Must you brave the angered seas?
Must you set out once more,
this final time?"

Though sweet was her voice,
her words filled with grief
held a gravity to them.
He did not wish to leave.

Seeing her tear stricken face
He softly ran his fingers
through her heavy auburn hair.

A final embrace
and a solemn goodbye
The Mariner kissed his wife.

The sweet solemn melody
swam through the dim-lit room.

His eyes pressed shut
swaying to and fro
in the rhythm of her hearts song.

The fire in the belly of the mantle
cracked and popped
its own lovestruck melody
warmly roaring.

The Maidens song spills
from finger & bow
dancing on air & swimming
in ears.

She watches as the final note
is pulled through the string
singing with its last dying breath

The Maidens song spills
from finger & bow
dancing on air & swimming
in ears.

Black sands awashed
by crystal waters
&
slate gray cliffs
adorn the countryside

Perched atop the highest bluff
our home ignites the way
for the lost
&
the weary.

I, The Mariner, know all too well
the change brought forth
by the ebb & flow
of the tide.

I've braved the seas
&
watched men die.
I've seen the beauty
of
starlight skies.

Beholden to none
other than my vessel and bride
I yearn to sail one last time
beneath the starlight skies.

You've got to understand
that:
The words you speak with purpose
are
The same behind your fate
and
Believe me when I say,
I love you.

I love you.