I Have Sailed the Seas of Sorrow

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and my life has little meaning as I live from day to day.
He was called a rugged man by those who knew him well,
but here's a little different story that only I can tell.
He was a kind and gentle man who gave and never took,
he sailed the waves off sandy shore and a place called pirates nook.
From the day I came aboard, I guess I was merely three,
he took me by his weathered hand, and pointed to the sea.
He talked about the endless waves and power of the wind,
he said the ocean was his master yet a gentle loving friend.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I remember the joyful times when the ship would toss and sway.
He made a lasting promise that he kept until the end,
that he would call me daughter but treat me as a friend.
He was a tough and weathered man with a face like coral sand,
but he held a loving smile, when he took me by the hand.
To the fore then to the aft he would shout with thunderous glee,
and send me to the misty rails before the wind could flee.
My little Crusty Puffin was the name he called me most,
it was his special given name on which I would often boast.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I remember all his dreams and the funny words he'd say.
Man the larboard spanker and chock the mizzen down,
then I would gaze in wonder and a silly puzzled frown.
Forward to the cathead and block the windlass stay,
and check the forward gunwale we haven't got all day.
Words like bilge and binnacle and stow the forward yawl,
these are really seaman's words, and some I don't recall.
Belay the helm and come about we'll scud before the gale,
and give my little darling a story she can tell.

I have sailed the seas of sorrow since my father passed away,
and I search the sea for reasons as I live from day to day.
One harsh and very stormy night off rugged Puget sound,
his ship was washed among the rocks, his body never found.
I hoped for days and weeks and years to see him just once more,
but my hopes and dreams were dashed he never came ashore.
I will never give up hope as I sail the endless sea,
for I am my father's daughter and this was meant to be.
The ocean is my mistress yet a gentle loving friend,
and I will sail the endless seas in hopes my heart will mend.