A Sailor's Life...

A sailor's life these days has changed

not what it used to be

among those things now re-arranged

are the days we spend at sea

and so the structure of the craft 

and how we learn to sail

the Comet, Star and so the raft

is more by try and fail

so as we serve and strike for rate

we each look for a role

to help us find if our own fate 

is written on our soul

and a lucky few have shared a berth

with a true and solid mate

a sailor who has sailed the earth

and stood to every fate

whose example kept the nippers square

and whose thoughts improved my skill

but it was mostly joy that he did share

and I recall it still

you know Trapper, my ole mate

he truly is the best

and when I face my final fate

he'll help me pass the test

On Wharf Creek

20 September 2008

J.C. McCracken