The Taming of the Ocean

The Taming of the Ocean

Janelle Spiers

There's a creaking, groaning monster     

And I stand upon it's back                      

Forcing it to take me where I please.      

It's a rolling, bucking beast                    

But l'll make her take me east;                         

Away I'll sail into the salty breeze.        

The ocean is a briny grave                     

For those who misconstrue her;             

She'll open up fierce frigid jaws,                

Gnashing teeth will eat you whole         

Drowning your body and your soul        

And you will be a thing that was.           

Salt water flows within the veins

Of them who brave the breakers,

Those who bathe in sea foam.

It takes a lot of seasick guts,

Brackish water to wash your cuts

And lightning storms to lead you home.

My ship will charge the surges,

My sails will hail the shores,

The riggings are my salty net

To catch a wild, racing swell

And I will rise, my strength shall quell

And all the sea shall know my threat.

And once I anchor in safe harbor

And let my white sails down,

My things will always bear the scent

Of sea-salt, brine, and wood.

Ne'er, howe'er, could I stay for good;

Unless on the sea will I be content.