On a boat up the Tyne
a favourite river of mine

oil slicks and old shields.

The south side
a bit wide of Whitley bay
some say
the rough side
Is where I guide
her in

thirty seven feet
mahogany timber
a tall ship
slipping fast into dock.

Going home into port
shirt and shorts
a tan from the maze
of places I've been


this gypsy boy and
his
'Ocean Queen
sleek and lean
lean into the wind
together.