NANTUCKET
"Take out your map and look at it."
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Chapter 6 – The Street
Dandies,
Cannibals,
Fresh-faced belles,
Fellows who have felled forests –
All dazzle on the streets of Bedford.
Sights and sounds to pack away
and savor during
long days and nights
at sea.
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Chapter 7 - The Chapel
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I duck inside
to take refuge.
Here, where moody fishermen
pay their respects
before they sail,
I am protected
from the wind and sleet
but not from thoughts
of what lies ahead.
Words etched in marble
line the walls
to pay homage
to dear departed sailors.
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John Talbot ~ Lost overboard
near the Isle of Desolation
I stare ahead, straight ahead
at the preacher.
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Captain Ezekial Hardy ~ Killed by
a Sperm Whale on the coast of Japan
Don’t look at the walls!
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The Ship Eliza ~
Towed out of sight by a whale
I will go to sea I will go to sea.
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Chapter 8 – The Pulpit
A man with a purpose
does not grow old,
only more robust, as
a light from within
shines through
shines out
ignites himself
and others.
Hand over hand,
he ascends the height
of the grand pulpit
and once there
Beams.
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Chapter 9 – The Sermon
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Certainty is thy savior.
In this storm–tossed,
tumultuous world,
with death
to our left
and our right,
we look to Thee
Who never wavers
Whose word is law
and Whose punishment
is swift.
I am adrift when
in doubt
but afloat in Thy
Certainty.
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Chapter 14 – Nantucket
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These naked Nantucketers,
these sea hermits,
view land as a
mere stopping point,
good only for
touching base with the missus
and breeding more sailors.
The sea is his; he owns it.
Bed me down on the waves!
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Chapter 15 – Chowder
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Just landed and a nip’s in the air
Ye can keep yer gold and silver
give me chowder!
Comon’ lads, pull up a chair
Ye can choose from clam or codfish
Give me chowder!
Hot, steamin’ bowls
to chase the cold away
Rubbin’ elbows with my mates,
Bring it here now don’t delay!
No, don’t mull it -
Fill yer gullet.
Give me chowder!
Give me chowder!
Give me chowder!
(When’s breakfast?)
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