Epitaph of a Sailor

A free verse poem that reflects on life.

I sailed across the oceans like Ahab did before.
It was no beast from the depths that drove me ’round Perdition’s Flame.
I too have given all to a single thought becoming consumed by the sin of it -
my last breath of hate so spat.

 

I joined the ancient mariner on his ship of lonely times.
It was no solitary bird, drifting on currents high, which focused all my shame.
I wasted life’s precious gift and watched time mark my soul -
my own folly chained my neck.

 

I battled fish like the old man, just a speck upon the sea.
It was no noble cause or sustenance for which I fought and landed game.
I reeled sacred lives to me only to watch them be devoured -
my vanity noshed on their souls.

 

I journeyed with Odysseus in Homeric tails of lore,
offering myself to recklessness, too clever for sing-song sirens to claim.
I faced dangers for no reason, bravado for bravado’s sake –
my vessel wrecked upon the shore.

 

My tale’s been told ten-thousand times by poets greater than me.
No moral was upheld or redemption did I find as life’s innocence did wane.
I followed a wake of destruction on this life-course that I sailed -
Take heed, my friend, this ten-thousand and one.
 

Reviews

[Angel's Lady]

I journeyed with Odysseus in Homeric tails of lore,
offering myself to recklessness, too clever for sing-song sirens to claim.
I faced dangers for no reason, bravado for bravado's sake �
my vessel wrecked upon the shore.

I adore all of this poem but especially the verse above. What a wonderful write! Thanks for sharing this.

[Constance]

You pose a striking, yet classical tale here.I love that it has no moral. This is indeed good free verse. You leave me not quite sure what all I can say. :)

[RHEA CROSLEY]

Well written with good insightful warning. I think this poem kind of shakes the soul to ask questions like. Where have I gone wrong? Is it to late to fix some of the past? Can I make wiser choices to make the future better? Every once in a while we all need to read something like this that sobers us up. Thanks.