David Chadwick

A poem for the month - July

​

Shake

Shake is stationed at the bow

keeping lookout, watching the water

for hazards. It’s an important job.

Keeps him busy; not the sort of

 

task you can give to any old sea dog.

Constant vigilence is needed you see.

Occasionally he spots something

that requires closer scrutiny,

 

so he runs along the starboard side,

follows until he’s seen it off in our wake,

then back to his regular position again,

never relaxing, never taking a break.

 

A light breeze ruffles the water.

We approach Matiu/Somes Island under sail,

then turn and head back towards the city.

Shake, constantly alert to danger, tail

 

wagging, legs braced against the roll and pitch,

points the way. A spotted bowsprit, he’s the sort

you can rely on in any wind and weather.

Shake will see us safely back to port.

 

 

(23 June 2108 – A cruise around Wellington Harbour on the catamaran Megisti)