So hand-in-hand the two now exit th'room
and take the stairs t'emerge above the deck
where on their visages the wind now blows
to cool the sweat that's gather'd on their brows,
and sails flap and ripple up above
whilst higher still are seagulls singing cries,
which on the deck the sailors use to count
the rhythm of the song that now they howl:
"Me love, she whipp'd me sore across the hide
'cause yesternight I went to see a dime 10
within the brothel 'cause I was quite sore
and bent from shape from whippin's earlier
for similar transgressions on me part,
but how can I—a sailor—help me heart,
who washes bloody hands within the Sea
to spare me love the sight of tragedy
diffusin' from me knuckles at the pier
so never for me health need she to fear?
But knows the ev'ry sailor may ye ask
of dangers we attract upon this task, 20
'cause scents of blood intoxicate the wa'ers,
beneath whose lappin' slumbers mighty sharks
to wake within the clouds we'd wish conceal'd
and hunt with pacts of blood in th'water seal'd
for th'owner of the wound who wash'd his hands
when next he's overboard away from land
and can't, beneath his treading shoulders, spot
this beast upon his legs with gaping jaws."
The sailors whistle twixt their rhythmic "Ho!",
producing music ere resuming song: 30
"Who washes bloody hands within the Sea
to spare me love the sight of tragedy!"
On repetition of this chantey tune
our Pilgrim and the Spouse approach the helm
whereat the Captain firmly holds the wheel
to steer the galleon. He turns his head
at seeing them ascend the steps to him,
and interrupting here the sailors' song,
he shouts: "Our stowaways have risen from
the hull to meet the crew, and what a show 40
we've given them already, wouldn't ye
all say, me lads?" The sailors cry with cheer.
The Captain lowers voice as on he goes:
"I hope yer quarters satisfied yer needs,"
he winks, "as yesternight ye slept upon
YOU ARE READING
As Ever Like the Sun & Moon at War
PoetryA troubled Pilgrim sets upon a road in search by sun and storm of paradise; a vain Pariah's banish'd from his home to render justice by the moonlit night: two individuals who share a flesh, each unalike in methods and beliefs, yet fated consequence...