PIRATES!

I remember back, when young -
the pirate tales from grandpa's tongue -
where peg-legged men with but one eye
sought their treasures, chanced to die.

Captain pirate had a hook
and he cared not from whom he took.
They boarded ships and stole the goods -
then hid their treasures in the woods.

On the ship - he had some men
they'd help him rob now and again.
And then they partied and they drank.
If one was rude, he'd walk the plank.

Captain pirate wasn't fair -
and got so drunk he didn't care.
It didn't matter who he killed -
just so his humor was fulfilled.

A bit close, I happened near -
lost both my boots and lost my gear.
They tied me up that very night -
my wrists had hurt, the rope was tight.

One pulled quick, his shiny sword -
then threw me on that weathered board.
The ocean deep, the water black,
the sword I felt, pressed in my back.

I stepped out - again, again,
with nudges felt from earthly sin.
The steps I took were very short
but that old plank gave me support.

I thought quick but I took pause -
reflecting on life's silly laws.
Blinded by life's codes and rules,
I had nothing - them, the jewels.

Hoping here on earth I'd stay,
I stepped through life from day to day.
But this I knew - could not pretend -
this plank was short. There was an end.

Weight pushed low the outer edge,
then toes could feel the corner's ledge.
No turning back, what's done is done -
no place to turn - no place to run.

Bodies end with earthly goals -
as all life ends - but not the souls.
Emotions quake, as body shakes,
but after death - the soul awakes.

They held truth (though they got old)
those pirate tales that grandpa told -
but futile is a life that's wed,
with both the soul and body dead.

This poem won second place for the August 2009 poetry contest