BECALMED
In years gone by when great ships moved by sail,
There was always fear of a hurricane with icy hail,
But a greater fear than strong winds that strong blow,
Is a perfect calm, for then, there is nowhere to go.

The sails would hang like white waiting shrouds
To cover the dead, for no wind or fluffy clouds
Meant the massive ships just stood very still
Until a wind or breeze the great sails would fill.

Becalmed sounds so peaceful, but not to men at sea,
Especially at a journey’s end and supplies a scarcity,
At least a gale can move them, be homeward bound,
But in perfect stillness no comfort is ever found.

Men of all ranks take turns to row, the wind to find,
I can imagine the thoughts that flow through each mind
As they struggle at the oars or gaze to sea helplessly,
Not even a ripple of a breeze on the heartless sea.

Hours seem more like days, days are like an eternity,
Of the gentle calmness every sailor wanted to be free,
Hardened men praying like children on bended knee,
Both, at that moment loving and cursing the cruel sea.

Today it does not matter if the wind blows or is still,
Mighty engines force through the water with a will,
Sending great liners to their destinations so very fast,
Let us take a moment and think of the sailors of the past.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 27 April 2004