POETRY - Out of Water

THE VOYAGE

Reeds and ropes make up our boat, a palm tree is our spar,
Carried on the wings of wind and steering by a star,
We skipped in through the roiling reef and entered this peaceful lagoon,
Sheltered by windbreaks of lush green hills and lit by a tropic moon.
Maybe we won't leave tomorrow, we'll spend an extra day,
To explore more of the island and look around the bay.

We'll fill the casks with fresh water, fully provision the ship,
Hunt wild game for the larder and then continue on our trip.
I've heard the morning call of quails and I've seen several spotted deer,
We'll gather bananas and breadfruit which grow plentifully here.
Maybe we'll stay another week and look for those wild boar
That stumbled into our campsite when we first came ashore.

The rainbow mists of the waterfall clearly are reflected
In the crystal pools where the tumbling water has collected.
I have spent two days devising a cleverly constructed trap,
Now the plumage of these exotic birds are feathers in my cap.
Maybe we'll stay on here a month or more to forage all we need,
I've found the entrance to a cave and want to see where it will lead.

We feast on shellfish that we open with an ancient arrowhead,
We've harvested a treasure in pearls from the shallow oyster bed.
The fish and fowl cooked on our spit have a flavor that's divine,
Accompanied by taro root and fiery casaba wine.
Maybe we should stay a year and seek to solve the mystery
Of the siren lure of this uncharted island's history.

There's evidence that others were here long before we came,
They truly must have loved this place and we feel just the same.
I've found a message carved in glyphs atop a cairn of stone,
A sailor's simple sentiments, "I should have sailed for home".
I understand his dilemma, I'll miss my home and I will grieve,
But this wonderful island Eden is far too perfect to leave.

Wyland

SURPRISE

The sound of her laughter first drew him to the grove
And there he found the entrance to a hidden cove.
Silently he watched with wondering disbelief,
The antics of these playful creatures of the reef.

The smiling little mermaid held them all in thrall,
Acceding to her wishes, answering her call
To attend her party, sip tiny cups of tea
Brewed with ingredients from the Darjeeling Sea.

The porpoise balanced two gingersnaps on his nose,
Then lifted his pinky in a most genteel pose
Which made him drop his saucer, making quite a fuss
And caused fits of giggles from his little hostess.

The ducks were raucous and loudly demanded more
As they waddled like metronomes back to the shore.
A gasp slipped past his lips as he watched them at play
And startled by his presence, they all swam away.

Every day he waits there, where the magic began,
Hoping they'll come back to the secret cove again
And invite him to join their party in the sea,
For he had never seen a mermaid drinking tea.

Wyland

CALLING ALL CARS

Killer whales look like police cars charging through the seas,
Chasing speeding penguins dressed up as maitre de's.
A group of whales traveling together is referred to as a pod,
But in their armor of black and white, a much better word is squad.

SAND CASTLES

Turrets so lovely and towers so fine,
Windows and doorways and arches sublime,
A flying buttress rises to the sky,
Shadowing buttresses that cannot fly,
They make up the castle of magical sand
I've built on the shores of a mystical land.
The floors are of marble and red jasper so bold,
The roof tiled with lapis, the great dome purest gold.
Columns of porphyry, pearl and pink jade
Surround the vast halls and cool them with shade.
Alabaster, turquoise and malachite sheen
Reflect on the wonder of this dreamlike scene.
The moon is so jealous she's hidden her face,
Dimmed by the beauty of this wonderful place.
Fluttering flags of silken scarlet shine,
Warning the world that this castle is mine!
Atop it all, the snapping pennants proclaim,
Nothing stands forever, nothing stays the same.