The Captain And The Kid

I never use to miss the chance
to climb upon his knee and listen
to the many tales of life upon the sea.
We’d go sailing back on barkentines and
talk of things he did, tomorrow just a day away for the Captain and the Kid.
His world had gone from sailing ships
to raking mom’s back yard;
he never could adjust to land although
he tried so hard.
We both were growing older then and
wiser with our years;
that’s when I came to understand
the course his heart still steers.
He died about a month ago
while winter filled the air,
and though I cried, I was so proud
to love a man so rare.
He’s somewhere on the ocean now,
the place he ought to be;
with one hand on the starboard rail,
he’s waving back at me.
For the Captain and this kid.