We Only Want A Dinghy

[Stephen Whiteside]

We Only Want A Dinghy

© Stephen Whiteside 19.10.2012

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
With a centre board and rudder, with a sail, a boom and mast;
To spend a half day cruising, to spend a half day snoozing,
In the style of Bass and Flinders - but it seems those days have passed.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy.
We do not want a cabin or a motor or a keel.
We want it wild and willing, just to keep it slightly thrilling.
A trailer sailor’s for the old. Well, that is how we feel.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
But big enough to stow a tent, some sleeping bags, some food.
The details still are hazy. There are some that say we’re crazy,
And we find it quite frustrating, though I do not think we’re rude.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy.
We’d like to have it wooden in the good old fashioned way.
We do not want it rotten or with sails of rusted cotton.
There are wooden boats for sale, but you really have to pay!

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
But to really go all retro you will pay much more, not less!
Oh, the world’s gone topsy turvy, and it makes me rather nervy,
And I’m on the point of giving up our plan, I must confess.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy.
It worked for Arthur Ransome sailing ‘Swallow’ on the lakes.
That boat was quite old fashioned and it leaves me most impassioned.
I’d really much prefer it to these fancy modern fakes.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
Where the wind whips at your jacket and the spray gets in your eyes,
And we want to go exploring (but still spend a good time snoring);
Yes, that sturdy wooden clinker is the style we truly prize.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy.
We’re sick of rounding buoys that have been dropped off in the bay.
It’s neat and it is sweet, but it’s no challenge to complete.
With this mix of wind and water, there must be a better way!

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
To sail the lakes and rivers, to explore the nooks and bays,
With the cormorant and eagle, and the odd domestic beagle,
To cross the many branches of our wond’rous waterways.

We only want a dinghy, a simple sailing dinghy,
And I’m sure that we will find one if we’re patient, cool and calm.
In a world gone antiseptic, we will find a boat more hectic.
We only want to face the great wild world, and chance our arm!

[Maureen K Clifford]

Keep looking you'll find it - it just doesn't know its lost yet. Have you tried putting an ad in the paper?

Love the poem Stephen

Cheers

Maureen

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Maureen. Yes, we probably will do that.