HE WALKS THE PLANK
He knows too well
What can never be,
Yet never was but in
His heart, in his head.
Upon the plank he soldiers
Forth, bravely so, though it
Be his last above the sea he
Loved so much from early on.
Hero smote his liege with a word
Deserved, though servile ones are
Not to speak or do what conscience
Says, despite the cost to life and limb.
Take your leap, O worthy man, and ponder not on
Those behind, whose captive souls shall never take
Flight as yours will now, as upon wings of doves you
Sally forth to meet at last Mother Sea and Father Sky.