titanic redux

me timbers shiv'rin
winds in ears drag me around
breath of Spirit
i could use larger mainsails matey
why have you made me thus?
crude primitive chisel hack etched in
envy strapped to the mast
blood presses the vessels onward
vulture in crow's nest awaits mutiny
tough steer with one eye
but i can cut a rug on this peg
white squall albatross feather news clipping reports of phantom wake

never do i question
just set the sails
undersized as they may be
no fishwife in these waters barter
in the harbor but timing is critical
drop anchor set the alarm
we sail at dawn

minnows outnumber blue whales
there are more of us than them
sez one bowling pin to
the other nine swords in hand
charge the bowling ball with
vigor fervor mutilated anticipation
will there be three hundred foot squids to fight off
mighty undertows assorted swashbucklers
sea serpent phantom ships
carrying gaggles of unshaven butches
come to loot pillage chain us
to iron thighbones in the galley
ceremonial burial at sea with
epithets and orchestration
flotation devices that double as coffins
biodegradable of course
or will it be another fine boring day
of seagulls and saltwater breezes
excitement has a better name
than it deserves way overrated
it's a frickin albatross more often than not
i am way over quota
ladle me up some swordfish stew
and sharpen this peg for me

 © John Kennan 4-2-21