A speck, a sailboat, has caught my eye
at the intersect of sea and sky
where the ocean rages, piling high,
battling the currents, bound for Dubai.
It’s out in a storm, I wonder why?
On board, a load of goods for supply
to the bazaar, on which all rely;
exotic spice that people will buy.
Perfume’s in the air – I sniff, then sigh,
fearing the worst, I cannot deny.
The boat’s approaching, drawing close by,
to the force of the wind must comply.
They’ve covered the goods to keep them dry;
sails are flapping, ropes they must tie –
sailor’s skill in a storm must apply.
Gulls circle the boat, battling to fly;
their once-smooth feathers are all awry.
They challenge the storm with mournful cry,
but howling wind is the sole reply.
They’ve no strength left with which to defy.
A storm at sea is harsh, without lie –
the ocean’s luck decides who will die.
God’s mercy is needed, I imply,
to save a soul, not yet say goodbye,
and get safely home for apple pie.
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| Writing Prompt |
A Monorhyme is a poem in which all the lines have the same end rhyme. |
Author Notes
Author's Notes:
The ending of my poem may be somewhat unexpected. As I am in charge of my own poem, putting in "apple pie" completely changes the tone of the poem. I did it to lighten the sombre mood, and I was feeling hungry at the time. It amused me to think that Arab sailors might enjoy a slice of pie if they survived the storm. (In modern times, there is a very strong American presence in the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai is very cosmopolitan, so apple pie may well be easily available.)
The painting is "Arab Dhow", by William Daniell RA (1769-1837). He was an English landscape and marine painter and printmaker, with experience of sailing the Indian Ocean.
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