SAILING AWAY

Silence all but the splash at the bow,

Fog thick as soup, where art thou?

With precious cargo aboard for trade,

      A pirate’s fortune, if they were delayed .

 

Just two vessels appeared in sight,

Afore the fleet, it scoured the night.

Armed with weapons to protect,

This fleet set out on this long trek.

 

From Spain they had departed,

To make delivery to the Gulfs heart.

Along the shore of treacherous waters,

They came, their goods to barter.

 

Beautiful, graceful, ships of delight,

Crossed the ocean day and night.

Mexico, Florida were favorite ports,

As well as being precious resorts.

 

Galleons of vast size,

Some armored to keep crews alive.

Silhouettes against a moonlit sky,

As gracefully they sailed by.

 

Their masts full blown

Catching a glisten as they moan.

Flapping in cadence to the wind,

As further inland, they ascend.

 

Treasure chests that glide,

Across the calm or raging tide.

Bringing history to our shores,

Alas, their travels are no more.

 

  Written by Shirley Barr