Within these murky depths

This is the story
of a young man, or boy
He grew up in a home
with a family, lacking joy

No one was mean or cruel
they treated him with care
but it was always work, work and work
no time, for games, to spare

His life drew on
businesslike and dull
but in his heart something grew
emotions wakened from preteen lull

Time and time again, he tried
to find a girl, free of sin
who could love him back as he loved her
who would flutter in his wind

As his quest continued
He failed without exception
and after a while
he simply lost conception

As the years passed by
he grew older and bitter
but deep inside his thirst
for love just wouldn't wither

It warped inside him
desire bent his mind
he began to resent this life
this love, he could not find

He frowned at lovers
He spat at hope
He built himself an inner wall
to escape, to envelope

Dismayed he hung his head
His wish for love, remained untold
So one night, he bid a hush farewell
and departed, into streets so cold

He wandered through his town
heedless of his step
his forehead in a frown
Grief within he kept

Away, away he went
Down to the dreary dock
in the air a rotten scent
on the ground, deserted stock

The mist was cold and wet
through distressing eyes he saw
a grand, grim silhouette,
A towering shape and gaping maw

Amazed, confused, astounded
he marvelled, high and low.
at the masts and hull and shipdeck too,
at the mermaid in it's bow.

Then down the plank came running
a man with captain's hat and rank
eying our lad from top to toe
He looked pleased, to be frank

"I need another sailor, boy"
Have you ever been to sea?
You look like a proper man, say
won't you come with me?"

Considering the offer
our sailor thought "why not?"
what binds me to this place?
Do I not detest this wretched lot?"

Family, friends and neighbours too.
all greed, deceit and plot.
Bound by their routine
and hardened by their lot.

Shaking hands and laughing
He enlisted on the ship
embarked unto peril nights
letting all held dear slip

He travelled the world
For many a year
desperately trying
to drown his thirst in cheer

Though deep inside
it lingered still
that searing longing
he couldn't kill

Off the coast of Bangkok
they encountered a typhoon
Our sailor thought ironically
"ain't this a boon."

through waves and thunder
The ship came crashing
Both wind and rain
and lightning flashing

The call went out
"all hands on deck!"
Every sailor to the fight
to keep the ship in check.

But standing at the gunwale
our sailor heeds a melody
painfully reminding him
Of a long lost memory

Something wakes within
wrenches away his wall
standing naked before the surge
of life, that is love's call

and that which was buried
long ago, in inner mire
is brought back again
strong, with raw desire

He hearkens to the Siren
Hears her solemn song
Fromout the depths she calls him home
Into the abyss, where he belong

He dives into the water
swims into the deep
reaches her in wet embrace
A soft caress, then blissful sleep

He sees no future
He fears no past
For within the darkened sea
He's found his bride, at last.

-------------------------------------

Give me your worst.