A Harsh Mistress I'd rather be out on the sea than any place I know.

I long to float on ship or boat just rocking to and fro. It's like a balm when it is calm or when it's rough and stormy. It helps to ease and can appease the restlessness in me. The moon/sunshine out on the brine is a sight to behold Of Davey Jones and Captain Bones -great stories have been told. It can inspire like brimstone fire one's imagination Of clean white sands, of far-off lands, of treasures lost and won. Tales of ghost ships on fateful trips of pirates Kidd and Bligh, Sailing the main -- Indies to Spain -as skull and cross-bones fly. A harsh mistress, some would attest, those who rest in the deep. Those taken by winds and waves high are now in endless sleep. A friend to man and to the land if she takes a notion, Though many drowned, shores changed around by the raging ocean. Men build (they think) ships that won't sink, but she's a fearsome foe. For if her want, she'll tease and taunt then send them down below. Men have been bold since days of old sailing from shore to shore. Many were lost, their lives the cost for thinking they knew more.

Ode To A Harsh Mistress "Red sky at night, sailor's delight" A famous seaman's adage "Red sky in morning, sailor's warning" A very useful adage If you don't heed, and you proceed She may make you believe. Maybe too late, she'll cast your fate And those on shore will grieve. On your tombstone let it be known "He died out on the main. He challenged her, and to be sure, He won't try it again!"