The Mariner: Adventure on the High Seas

The Mariner: Misadventure on the High Seas

The stoutest men have sailed the seas;
it takes a special breed.
They seek adventure to appease
 some deep, desirous need.

 John Manley plied his expertise
as faithful skipper’s mate—
to seek adventure on the seas;
her lure would ne'er abate.

His lady love – a dainty dove,
whose name was Misty Dawn—
would plead, “Please, John, stay here, my love.”
—Dawn woke, and he was gone.

With salty sea spray in his face,
he always felt at home.
He sensed no danger–not a trace,
wherever they might roam.

While off the coast of Africa–
down Madagascar way–
the crew of the Messiah saw
her sails begin to sway.

The battered bow pitched up and down,
rope rigging lashed and whipped.
The mizzenmast tore through her prow,
as waves engulfed the ship.

 Good Captain Yoast gave up the ghost;
succumbed to sirens’ cries.
As Manley screamed, “I see the coast—
That’s where salvation lies!”

Stout sailing men have heard the din
from ocean's darkest caves.
Messiah’s crew—they heard it too—
'fore dragged beneath the waves.

Now Davey Jones will guard their bones,
for all eternity.
Where ghostly gasps and wailing moans
waft up from ‘neath the sea.

Old legends boast Messiah's ghost
still sails the stormy seas.
On moonlit nights, no clouds in sight,
you'll see her masts with ease.

John Manley's soul sails with the breeze;
a hearty skipper’s mate;
who sought adventure on the seas—
rough seas that sealed his fate.