when lost at sea

when lost at sea

sea swells brush the bow rippling into the wake
slow steady and on course an unknown heading
glinting glare defines now the minute to forsake
glowing globes to enforce the source of dreading
below bilge waters creak groan slosh side to side
ballast balanced maintains the slight equilibrium
limping listing amidst foam aware of shifting tide
lethargy leans and strains a sinking into delirium
heavy hard to port turning to avoid jagged reefs
horror holed by iron shells mark points breached
rudder restlessly churning up into wakes of grief
rudely ruthless living hells waiting to be reached
whistling winds leeward filling the sluggish sails
wishful wanting stewards telling of sailors’ tales