Sailboats

Sailboats Number Three Painting by Michael Cunliffe Thompson

 

Saltwater sprays across the bow
as the hull-line cuts the sea.
Close trimmed sails pulling fast
as wind blows and sets us free.

 

Freedom from land and its woes
that tempts us to its cell
gives way to us for nature's care
as across the waves we sail.

 

The rigging sings its sanguine song
of those who rode before.
They sing of loss and wonders found
and heroic tales of lore.

 

From crested wave to downward troughs
we travel and carry on.
In sight of land or open sea
the point's to sail along.

 

So man the wheel and point the craft
it's a pleasure few will know.
Be it noontime's sun or Midwatch stars
for sure your soul will glow.
 

 

Reviews

[alternative_be]

Reading this, sitting here, while the weather outside is hot, I feel the refreshing sea breeze around me.
I have never sailed in my life, but now I wish I was on that boat... Very evocative writing, a very good account of the joys of sailing but pointing out the dangers as well!
Yet, I want to be on that boat!
Very powerful indeed.
The painting compliments your poem very well!

[Valentine]

This is writen beautifully..I loved the second grouping ..thinking of the land as a cell and the sea total freedom..Nice write..God bless..Valentine

[LSS]

I too have been enamored of the sea and its lust and lore. I've probably never sailed as much as you seem to have, but there's nothing to compare to being nestled down in a boat, gliding softly with the wind in a light breeze. Like a child being hugged to a mothers breast, safe and serene.
LSS

[Kevon]

wondeful, this expresses the true joy of sailing, never tried it though now it might come acroos the to do list, kudos

[Donald Meikle]

I would suggest travail in lieu of travel, apart from that it reads and flows in full sail

[Adela Muresan]

Kowel, it seems like the lyrics of a sailing song.
I like it that it's full of life, and the last strophe is my favorite, because it kind of transports you there.

A.M.

[James K. Blaylock]

Wow, I truly loved this magical piece! Me thinks, I shall go read some more of your works.

jkb

[April Child]

"Freedom from land and its woes" that line alone makes me want to set sail. Lovely poem, you really capture the sense of freedom and spirit of adventure of the high seas.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Definitely a refreshing poem. Full of beauty and slendor. Your love and reverence for the sea is quite obvious in this work. Thank you for sharing. Quite exquisite.
Light,
Siddartha

[Murphy]

Man, oh man... this is fantastic! Refreshing. My favorite line: "The rigging sings its sanguine song of those who rode before"... I love that. Excellent choice of words, teetering on perfection in my humble-but-correct opinion. Great job!