The Whale Boat

[Zondrae]

Another product of our 'homework'. These random topics can produce some surprising poetry.

The inspiration for this was a picture of the remains of a 'clinker' boat that had all but rotter away. It gave the impression of the skeleton of a large row boat. There was only about 25% of the timbers left lying on the mashy edge of an estuary, or it could be a lake. There were plants growing up through the floor and moss all over. You could see it had once been painted a light blue. In a few years it would have rotted completely away. It was a very peaceful yet moving image.


The Whale Boat
©Zondrae King (Corrimal) 03/10

These weary planks are faded now. My ribs are full of worm
and barnacles foul underneath my hull.
I lay here in this mud, there is no choice, I must confirm,
that I am now a roost for any gull.

How many years of service did I faithfully complete?
My memory and age are clear no more.
I had in mind a number, thirty years, was no mean feat
and now I settle, rotting, by the shore.

The times that I remember, are from days when I was new,
just fitted out with whaling as the prize.
I felt those men of Eden, raise the oars. That faithful crew
took every care that we did not capsize.

The blood they spilt beside my hull, turned seas a crimson red.
I saw a silent eye‘s bewildered look.
The harpoon made the mortal wound from which the victim bled.
Such painful dying, and how long it took!

My ribs have strained beneath the weight of many seasons catch.
My gunwales bear these scratches from the pier
but these were small indignities compared with this dispatch,
abandoned with the water, oh so near.

The night birds roost all over me and foul the last few planks
that, clinker built, made up my outer skin.
The deck is gone, where clumsy feet, and those of lowly ranks
sat, heels dug in, and sweated in the din.

With western wind the waves arise and loudly lap my side,
mere mimic of a mighty tail’s thump.
I’ll end my days beside the bay, not drifting on the tide.
They’ve stripped me bare, removed the water pump.

While overhead the gulls screech on, though they’re no longer fed
the scraps, as men begin to carve the kill.
My decks were washed with blood. The stench of death can foster dread
as lower down the scuppers flushed with swill.

One dark and dreadful night, as fog descended through the air
and senses of the crew were dull with rum,
from in the mist, another boat, full broadside, hit me square
one deathly blow. To fate I must succumb.

Oh why did they not leave me there to wear that foamy pall,
to lay with Davey Jones forever more
but, no, their minds were only for themselves and for their haul.
They dragged me here to this ungodly shore.

I’m stranded here in Limbo, not ashore and not afloat.
These reeds support my bulk, become my hearse.
Where two times every day I am tormented by the rote
of water’s ebb and flow. It is a curse.

As fungus, rot and barnacles eat at my very core,
I see the whaling boats no longer run.
My planks achieve full circle and the whalers are no more.
Again the universe and I are one.

[Neville Briggs]

Excellent Zondrae. Loved it. It's good to see one of your poems again, you've been away for a while.
Did you win any awards with this one, I reckon it's an award winner.

[Terry]

Hi Zondrae,
I well remember this one and the homework, as I did a poem on that topic as well.
I told you later this would be a winner and it has been, If I remember correctly, it won a minor award at first and then
later - This year I think - was placed first in another comp. congratulations once again.

Regards Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

totally agree - Zondrae a winner IMO...remember the homework subject but don't remember ever reading this one and I would as you have set it in Eden. It is really really good and I love it.

Cheers

Maureen

[Zondrae]

G'day all,

Yep I had faith in it and flogged it in many competitions til I took out the FAWNS this year. When I think a poem might have some hope I keep it under wraps, that is I don't put it on an open site until I have exhausted it's chances of being noticed. I am super careful of reading the conditions of every competition I send in to. I don't wish to do the wrong thing. It has had some minor places too.

I did set it in Eden because of my husband's family ties to that area.

[Heather]

I remember this one Zondrae. Congratulations on your win!

Heather

[Neville Briggs]

What is FAWNS Zondrae ?????
Something to do with Bambi???


I used to work for this outfit that was obsesed with acrostic titles ... drove me nuts .

[Zondrae]

G'day Neville,

The whole thing is The Fellowship Of Australian Writers North Shore. They run a competition which has many sections. My poem was in the 'Bush Poetry' or rhyming poetry section. The competition also includes sections for short stories and non-rhyming poetry.

[Robyn]

Congratulations on your award Zondae. I remember this one from Crookwell, and it is a great poem!
Robyn

[warooa]

A very enjoyable read, Zondrae. Congratulations on the deserved win.

Marty