Waving Farewell

A Rhymed "All Clear" on My Sailing Career

Linda Ann Nickerson

"Little boats
Should keep near shore."
Benjamin Franklin
(1706 - 1790)

The season's final shot rang out,
Regatta to begin.
Our boat was strong; we knew the route,
Assured that we would win.

The fleet flew flags in every hue,
A seaborne rainbow scene.
Our spinnaker flapped red and blue,
But I was turning green.

The skipper held fast to the sheet;
He shouted out, "Jibe Ho!"
The boom spun 'round; I lost my feet
And felt my stomach blow.

I sprawled upon the starboard rail
And pitched over the side.
The first mate, he began to bail,
While looking on, tongue-tied.

The skipper tacked us back to shore,
Thus giving up our lead.
My shame complete, forevermore,
The season to concede.

This sailor learned a lesson tough;
Of this, I have a hunch.
If we set sail, when waves are rough,
I'd better hold my lunch!

Published by Linda Ann Nickerson - Featured Contributor in Sports

Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.   View profile

7 Comments

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  • Charlie K 2/9/2008

    (Smile)

  • Missy H. 2/6/2008

    That's cute. :)

  • K. Jai Estes 2/5/2008

    LOL! Cute!

  • Lenora Murdock 2/4/2008

    Very cute!

  • Coffee Mugg 2/3/2008

    awwwwwwwww

  • J. E. Davidson 2/3/2008

    Cute Poem. I could feel your pain....

  • Herstory 2/3/2008

    LOL! :-)

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