Well… after years of watching Chris Birch’s amazing annual Valentine’s Day poetry contest for boaters to submit themed poems from the boat to the mariner, I submitted an entry and actually ‘won’ the contest. I’m telling my wife and others that I am an ‘award winning poet’. This, of course, is purely tongue-in-cheek, but has been a bit of fun all around. Chris has been a great friend, amazing contributor to my book and videos. Thanks to Chris!
Here is my 2015 Valentine’s Day poetry submission:
Awaiting the coming spring.
My bilge pump pumps and pumps
In hopes of new stuffing in my stuffing box.
My seacocks closed for the winter;
My halyard banging impatiently in the wind.
Waiting to flush the pink fluid from my lines;
Waiting to shed this plastic cover;
Waiting to come alive;
Waiting to heal over and scream.
But for now just waiting.
Awaiting the spring –
and the comfort of oily hands of the greasy sailor –
and of course his guests.