Sailor's Tale (Version 1)

Many times I have set sail

upon an open sea

Smelled the acrid scent of saltwater

and felt the high winds

against my chapped cheeks

For years I have known

- not just known, but loved -

a life upon the waves

No land in sight as far as

the eye can see

be it naked or

pressed against the lens of a spyglass

I have set foot in

many a strange land before

Heard many a gibbered tongue

and witnessed my share of odd customs

But this time was different

On this day, I had someone waiting for me

So it weighed heavy on my heart

as I awoke to a blood red sunrise

Six words echoed in my mind

“Red sky at morning

sailors’ warning”