An Eyelash by Alfred Berggren

		Author Name: Alfred L. Berggren	4 Comments
		Date Added: July 02, 2010 15:07:33	Average Score: (Needs 2)
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Category: Historical

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An Eyelash

When you're topside in the gallants
and you're lookin' up at waves,
the wind's ascreemin' madness
intent on many graves.
The mate has said: "Lay aloft!",
and Third was on his way,
you scrambled up the shrouds windward
and laid to right away.
Now it's one hand for yourself
an' one hand for the ship,
oft hangin' on by eyelash
to last this windswept trip.
We be iron men from Portsmouth
an' seamen everyone.
We bring this ship to Brighton,
no loss for anyone.
Now it's one hand for yourself
an' one hand for the ship,
oft hangin' on by eyelash
to last this windswept trip.

Author's Notes:

When I was a boy I sat at my father's knees and he told me about life on a sailing ship. He was Third Mate on a Danish merchant ship during the last part of the 19th century. What little I know of the sea I learned from him. For the most part, the sea poems I post are his memories I have tried to put them in poetic form. It is with great pleasure and pride I present my father's thoughts on this website.

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Comments:

	Comment By: Barbara Carleton on July 2, 2010 06:40:12 PM	Report
	Alfred, I am amazed! I thought I was reading the mind of an old tar for sure. What a rich heritage, and how beautifully you handle it. "Now it's one hand for yourself an' one hand for the ship" is a master tale-tellers coup. Respond To This Comment

	Comment By: The Bag Lady on July 2, 2010 06:26:52 PM	Report
	Once again, dear Alfred, you have graced us with another story of the life at sea from your Father...Wonderful insight to the happenings on board....Your memories serve you quite well, my friend, and then we benefit from the poetry that you pen....Thanks for sharing... Margaret....a friend in words... Respond To This Comment

	Comment By: She Whispers on July 2, 2010 05:15:03 PM	Report
	I have often wondered if you were a sailor in your life all the poems of the pasy years of long ago are terrific to read you have saved them for your kinds and their kids a part of history.... Respond To This Comment

	Comment By: Lady Dragonwyck on July 2, 2010 04:18:04 PM	Report
	Alfred: Stories from our parents are such treasures. And, you did this story so vivid and wonderful. Your Dad is certainly honoured by your writes of his sea-going days. Please continue the marvelous writes. Lady D -- an avid fan of your incredible talent Respond To This Comment