Wednesday, February 10, 2016

DMC: "A Life at Sea" by David L. Harrison






A LIFE AT SEA
 

Hear them now,
carrying on like monkeys,
climbing those ropes,
singing their ditties, off key
as gulls squabbling over handouts.
Ah, the life at sea.

Me, I’m sung out,
my bones ache,
can’t walk straight.
Traded ditties long ago
for a ditty bag.
No home behind,
no wife waiting.
Gave up all that
for a life at sea.

All I own is on my back,
or in this bag –
leather punch, needles,
twine, tape –
the rich rewards
of a life at sea.

Wind’s up,
old hull is creaking
like it knows what I know –
all that’s left
is one more day,
and one more day,
and one more day
of a life at sea.

© 2016 David L. Harrison. All rights reserved.


David L. Harrison has challenged us to write poems inspired by the word "ditty" this month. Click HERE for more details.

Send your poem to TodaysLittleDitty (at) gmail (dot) com, or use the contact form in the sidebar to the right. All contributions will be included in a wrap-up celebration on Friday, February 26th, and one lucky participant will win a copy of his newest collection for children:


For an additional chance to win, write a poem inspired by "leaves" for David's Word of the Month (W.O.M.) challenge HERE. 



27 comments:

  1. Ha! I have a ditty I've sent along. Kind of a less serious one than David's, and a different viewpoint. I love his, as I love everything sea!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Donna,
      Thanks for joining in the ditty fun. Look forward to reading your poem.

      Delete
  2. I can hear the ocean roar and the sounds of the ship's bell...nicely done, David! Reflective yet stirring.

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    1. Good morning, Matt,
      Leave it to an old salt on the sidelines to observe and report.

      Delete
  3. Sad and lonely despite its "life at sea" refrain. Well done!

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    1. Thank you, Diane,
      I never know where a word will lead me. It's a grand trip every time.

      Delete
  4. I hear the push and pull of the ocean in this poem, David– the call of the sea. It's a beauty to read aloud... I've done so quite a few times already and am ready for an audience. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Michelle!
      I look forward to reading other ditties this month. I'm grateful to those who are taking up the challenge.

      Delete
  5. Yo ho ho for the life at sea. The ocean calls, doesn't it? It's lovely and nostalgic with a beautiful voice, David.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Linda,
      And here I go to do some yo-ho-hoing of my own for a while. More about that later.

      Delete
  6. Ahoy, Matey! A fine ditty from the ditty cap'n himself! =)

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    1. Good morning, Bridget,
      I'm glad you enjoyed my ditty. I'm having fun reading others as they come along.

      Delete
  7. so many wonderful words and images so true of those who lives their lives on the see with their work shah a beautiful tribute those man and woman many prays and thanks go out to them for safety and for the ways they bless our lives Thank you for the blessing of this words

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jessica, for your kind words. I enjoyed writing the poem and am glad you take pleasure in it.

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  8. such an beautiful

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  9. Singing too-ral-li, oo-ral-li, a ditty...

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  10. Ah, a trip to the sea and a singing sailor! Perfect for this winter's day. Thanks!

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  11. Oh, David, that was so beautiful and melancholy...and just you're about to embark on a cruiser, which I hope will be a roaring good time!

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    1. It is a bit melancholy, isn't it? I didn't sit down to write in that mood but something in the word wanted to come out that way.

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  12. Oh woe is me, how richly melancholic is your sea ditty.

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    1. Good morning, Michelle, and thank you. I'm glad you like my ditty!

      Delete
  13. Thank you Mr. David Harrison for showing us how it's done! I've sent Michelle a ditty poem.....not half as easy as it might seem. It's all those beats that stray out of place. But, a wonderful exercise and it brought back delightful memories.
    Now on to LEAVES!
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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    Replies
    1. Linda, thank you for your kind words. I'm grateful. I look forward to reading your ditty and leaves poems!

      Delete
  14. I can smell the sea air and hear the canvas flapping. Thank you for a delightful poem and challenge!

    Ditty Yard Dash

    On your marks,
    Get set,
    Dash, Ditty, Go,
    Ditty Sprint,
    Ditty know
    You're the one,
    You can do it!
    Ditty won!

    I had to write a ditty for my fifth grade me, who ran the 50 yard dash, back when feet were fleet. What a fun memory to revisit. Thanks again for the fun!

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  15. Thank you, Brenda. I like your ditty too.

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