with awestruck eyes
and jaws loose enough
to catch a housefly
or two,
me and the dog pound
from the old county
used to stare at big ships
with flags touching the sky,
sailing by.

giant sea monsters
that made mile-wide rivers
feel like itsy-bitsy streams.

like smitten boy soldiers,
we stood and stared and dreamed
of the many mysteries and opportunities
aboard those hulking vessels of lore.

that one day we might
snag a lucky gig
or hitch a ride on the big metal rig
to make those dreams come true;

and sail into the great beyond
like blackbeard and calico jack
and bring back stacks of treasures
and scores of embellished tales
to share with the dog pound
over infinite cases
of ice-cold beer
at the corner shop.

ayo!

~ P