The Ballad of Charlie

Some are born to the land others to the sea

Let me tell you a tale of a ship called Charlie

Steel, timber and canvas from which he was built

With berthing for five crew, timbers polished to the hilt

A Bluewater boat in glistening white

Auto pilot to navigate all through the night

For many a year it served on four seas

But years of neglect meant repairs it would need

But the owner now old and tired of the sea

No longer able would leave him you see

A lot of work needed but still strong at heart

This beautiful ship needs a fresh start

But who would take on this labour of love

It needed an owner that would push and shove

For to complete the work needed many hands would it take

To expedite completion patience and time for god sake

So I took on the job of restoring Shangeye Charlie

But with help from my friends it was too much for me

For one day I intend on Charlie to roam

But for now this vessel has become my home

Working five days a week to make enough money

Too hot for me outside to work when it’s sunny

But I still must do as much onboard work as I can

Be it Carpenter or Welder a true handyman

The galley near finished head and shower too

A composting toilet made ready for you

For I am not all alone in this quest

For in matters of family, wives always know best

My beautiful Janphen though fearful of the sea

Intends one day soon to come home to me

Charlie is waiting with open hatches and sails

To show my good wife the sailer’s wives tale

He knows that he must keep us both safe

And sail on clear waters smooth and unscathed

This story still has a long way to go

For when Charlie will be ready we really don’t know

But with the three of us together you see

We will take our Charlie to return to the sea

A ship a home the best place to be

Is always onboard the good ship Charlie.