~ The Sea Captain ~

I sailed my ship for many a day / across the stormy sea,
Many a ruffian I have carried / and never refused but three.

They met me on a summer day, / and saw my gallant ship,
And sought a passage to the other side / upon a hurried trip.

They offered all the dough they had, / mixed with a little sass,
That made me kinda hesitate, / and ask them for a pass,

They deemed a pass unnecessary / for men of their degree,
And insisted that I take my ship / and sail it out to sea.

An old man who was standing by, / and noted what they said,
Saw them kick me in the ribs / and strike me on the head.

He heard them say they'd steal a boat / and put it out to sea,
And sail away to the other side / to some strange countr'ee.

But no! The coward of the bunch / the one you'd think was brave,
Suggested that they turn again / and hide in a mountain cave.

And as the day went slowly by / I heard the truth in time,
I found that they were murderers / and guilty of a crime.

So as I sail my sturdy ship / until my life has ceased,
I know not whom my friends may be / unless they've traveled East

Anonymous