Commisioned, as I am, to write a rhyme <br />By one who sailed with Tall Ships in his time, <br />I see with child's eye, come the thrilling day, <br />As folk appear from far and near in close array <br />To watch the Tall Ships sail off from the bay. <br />Squatting family columns sit astride each patch <br />Of nearly dry, but coveteous space of coastline grass <br />To catch the rare-seen vista of large vessels as they pass. <br /> <br />Wide-eyed, up-turned, ice-cream smiling faces <br />Cheer, as Herculean riggings start their paces <br />Of un-furling sail, and suddenly, with graces <br />Fit for ballroom, gliding gentle through the glassy sea <br />White billowy gowns appear, which, sunlit, seem to be <br />Transforming all small boats, hot with hasty knots, <br />Into bath-time bobbing toys which each giant quietly mocks, <br />As silently retreating, they leave behind the docks. <br /> <br />Liquid blue, their watery bed rocks the monsters far away. <br />White-winging into hazy mist, invaders of a previous day. <br />But we agree there's never been such spectacle before. <br />Even, in the year of nineteen seventy four, <br />So Grandad says, when he had, for sure, <br />Taken part himself in Tall Ship races way back then. <br />He had known he proudly says some very brave seamen <br />Who now through unrelentless age would never sail again. <br /> <br />So now they're gone, it's home in setting sun to bed, <br />Sauntering on we try to keep the vision in our head. <br />Collect up togs and dogs, give help with laden pram, <br />Hold tight to hands, but keep an eye on sleepy Gran. <br />Steering clear of beery tents or chip smells from the van. <br />Next time Tall Ships come I may be old but I'll not miss <br />Another chance of seeing such a sight as this.<br /><br />Fay Slimm<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tall-ships-race/
