Listing To The Left

August 11, 2017 — art, leaking, poem, poetry, ship of state

crew

Returning from the voyage with a dangerous leak in the hull
The ship barely remained afloat while listing toward starboard
The lifeboats had all been deployed when the mast snapped
The crew had no choice but to try to make land on the carcass
Of the wooden vessel, laden with treasure, sinking from the weight
Plundered booty, food stores and ammunition, symbols of victory
Were all tossed overboard in an attempt to save human life
What did this say about the success of the voyage?
How does this comfort those who drowned in the service
Of the now deceased captain of this ship?