Hark! Thar, she blows, all might an’ spew,
a sixty-footer breachin’ through.
All hands on deck, thar’s much to do;
the hunt’s afoot, me hearty crew.
We’ll clear away, keep her in sight,
we’ll do as meant an’ keep it tight.
’Tis all or nowt, she could but fight,
for if she turns, God bless our plight.
She’ll rue this day, to that, amen,
we’ll show her, we Nantucket men.
We’ve struck afore, begad, again,
for brave we’ll face leviathan.
We’ll host no fear, know what’s at stake,
when bearin’ down, when on her wake.
Away the boats, let oarsmen take,
an’ pull like hell, an’ haste we’ll make.
Dare fail, me lad with that harpoon,
yer bearin’s honed an’ wits in tune.
A moment choose, yer focus hewn,
an’ on to us, a mighty boon.
If strike, you true, she’ll up an’ flee,
she’ll haul us too ’till weary, she.
When tuckered out, let lances free,
hence come what may, in profits, we.
We’ll flense her bare an’ blubber boil,
to cask we’ll store, her precious oil.
We’ll fill our jugs when thru our toil,
with rum to toast, the victor’s spoil.
To home, by star, by moon an’ sun,
what winds afford, we’ll earn our run.
An’ pray, nay squall wrecks what we’ve won,
from fathoms deep, keep all an’ one.
Hold out yer cheer ’till we make ground,
if comes that day, in wealth abound.
If nay, on what we’ve done, He’ll sound,
“Valhalla lost, but hades bound!”
-
Author:
Tony Grannell (
Offline) - Published: September 9th, 2025 09:22
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 9
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, Bella Shepard, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments6
Another fave my friend. Close to heart the style that I like and so much like my favorite book by Melville Moby Dick. Never been a whaling but have watched the right whales swim by in Florida and Brazil and seen them breech from my house on the beach. Magnificent animals. This poem gives old flavor to all I've seen and read. A lovley write
Dear, Soren,
Magnificent animals indeed, lumbering giants. Quite a few in the mediterranean, especially the Pelagos Sanctuary where they lumber midst the agile dolphins. An 'old flavour' like myself - hahaha! Delighted you enjoyed this one and your fine words are very much appreciated.
All is well, I trust,
Tony.
You are most welcome
A fisherman's Tale, extraordinary in language and beautiful imagery. I've seen the whales in the Indian Ocean, certainly a sight to see. 🌹
Dear, Teddy,
When beheld, the true meaning of the word, awesome comes to mind to define such a sight. Delighted you dropped by, a delight that comes with much appreciation.
Wishing you and your muse all the very best,
Tony.
It's exciting, exhilerating, I can picture the scene, taste the salty mist, and hear the sailors shouting as they tirelessly work to capture their prize. Thrilling imagery, wonderful rhyme and cadence makes this a gem of the poetic ocean!
Dear, Bella,
That you immersed yourself in the imagery, gladdens this old bard's heart and for that, I do thank you ever so much.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
Bugger the poetry (which apart from the actual subject matter, is great). I'm glad all (or most) of that is over.
Here, here! Dave,
Nearly harpooned to extinction but for the discovery of oil; ironic, plastic a byproduct of oil now killing them off either by ingestion or entanglement and those damed microplastics not to mention, Japan who left the IWC. Of man and beast and blinkered greed. Thank you very much for dropping by.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
Quite a tale and much enjoyed.
Dear, Kevin,
Delighted you enjoyed this one, means a great deal to me and for that, I do thank you, very much so.
Do take care now,
Tony.
Tony, this rolls like a true sea song...oars beating, harpoons ready, and the whale’s shadow looming. It carries Melville’s spirit and the raw grit of whaling life. Beautifully crafted, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
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