From the bridge,

bracing against battering wind and chill,

I, the captain, watch

as the sea explodes-

salt sprays and burning cuts.

Into thick mist, drawing toward an ethereal world.

Siren calls from afar;

voices soft like mothers coddling babes,

promising weariness no more.

Heed their calls-

eternal mistake.

Through the mist as through a tumultuous dream.

Sunshine and warmth comfort with a welcoming embrace.

Wide cliffs loom in the distance-

sheer faces baring exotic colors

like the sands of the edge-of-the-world beaches.

The green atop beckons.

Once on land

to sea no more, for old bones do ache,

creaking and groaning.

Farewell sinking ship and exacting waters.

Our parting, though bitter,

cannot mar the precious memories

of this once young adventurer.

Now, all that remains is to sit

before a rousing fire and a goblet of ale,

telling stories to friends with eager ears.

Then, off to bed with treasured memories

to visit in the sleepy hours.