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It has been months since I last visited my friend, the sea. Winter does not usually stop me from paying an occasional visit. However this winter seems to be making it more of a challenge with snow and ice storms, and not to mention the construction work on the roads leading to my favorite spot at the sea.
I miss being able to sit at the water’s edge and just stare out on the seemingly endless waters. I miss the sound of the waves and the spray on my face.
So while I am unable to visit the sea in person right now, I decided to look for some things to read and remind me of these sea traits. I stumbled upon some poetry and thought I would share them here. There are even one or two for my sailing followers.
I hope the weather will permit me to return for an up close and personal visit with my old friend very soon.
In the meantime enjoy these poems.

TODAY
Today! The horizon seems far away
Across the blue waters the beautiful bay.
The line draws so taut and straight as a string
A ship sails along it. A beautiful thing.
The blue of the ocean, the grey of the sky
The drum beat of waves, a ship sailing by,
Each day its’ so different, its never the same,
The ocean is one thing that man cannot tame.

SAILING IN CIRCLES
(Written in 1940)

For sixty years I’ve sailed around in circles very wide,

And steered my craft as best I might, with starlight for my guide.

I’ve hoped and hoped to come at last upon an open sea,

Where s’mother waters passed me by, and new shores could I see.

But as of old Columbus sailed and sailed on and on and on,

When dipping anchors all have failed and hope seemed almost gone,

The circles narrow dizzily, and faster round I go,

The sky is overshadowed, and I hear the cries of woe.

What shall I say oh dizzy heart, to keep my craft from wreck,

What say but like Columbus said, “Sail on, sail on by heck.”

MY DREAM SHIP
The sun is not out, it is cloudy today,
I can see a dark ship on an ocean of gray,
The sails are not set, just the spar standing high,
Like a tall tree that burned and ready to die,
It keeps sailing along with the mast standing high,
I know it’s my dreamship passing me by.
THE CLIPPER SHIP, VIRGINIA SNOW
When the Clipper ship was Queen of the wave,
The skippers were bold, and the seamen brave,
When men went sailing uncharted seas,
Depending entirely on sail and breeze,
Someone built a clipper the very best,
Eager to travel, she could not rest,
The name her builder? I do not know,
But a Queen I think, was Virginia Snow
I imagine she sailed up the western coast,
Past the Witch tree and past the ghost,
Around all the Points, to Pacific Grove,
To anchor while in that quiet cove.
Then around the shore line to Monterey,
To linger a time in that lovely bay,
Can anyone tell me? I’d love to know,
The beginning and end of Virginia Snow.
I would like this rug to commemorate,
The Virginia Snow, and her doubtful fate.

For more sea poetry visit Poetry by Zora

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