the undefeated
the undefeated
when the winds blow bitter the line does not stand down
rigid at parade rest boots set on the deck hands clasped
facing the sea as waves glitter turn and churn men drown
danger known and danger met battle’s challenge grasped
ragged flags and tattered banners flapping at their backs
soiled symbols of the power before the ships foundered
gaunt ghosts and gray glamours haunt ship’s holds black
‘tween the decks as sour sweat drips a chance flounders
when all has been lost to death what is there left to fear
all the gods devils and angels having no sense of control
spirits that rise up from lethe recall the meaning of tears
discard the infinite changes to become once more whole
half asleep during the midwatch dregs of coffee in a cup
time to crank another notch as dream comes to interrupt