TURBULENT WATERS
The sturdy lakers ploughed through each wave
That heaved and tossed restlessly, no mercy gave
To those who wanted the harbour safety to find,
On the great lakes in anger they are never kind.
The rising sun glows yellow in the distant east,
Does it bring hope of a warm home and a feast?
Will rain and clouds overcome each powerful ray
Of sun, will they be tossed and tormented all day?
Soaked through and cold the men man each station,
Hoping they have the strength to reach their destination,
Cargo becomes unimportant as the storm rages wild,
Even a sturdy laker can feel like a toy made by a child.
Prayers waft heavenward from believer and heathen alike
Asking that some fateful wave will never come to strike,
Then more horror hits them as iceflows come into view,
More danger, mind you for a sailor this is nothing new.
But the sun wins the battle and the waves begin to calm,
They sail into their harbour free from any real harm,
Some repairs to the vessel, frostbite treated with care,
In a few days you will see them once again out there.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 14 October 2004