On the High Seas

by Brian J.

Back in the glory days of sail
When the waves crashed and the winds did wail
Ten thousand miles trom his place of birth
A captain was about to prove his worth.

The H.M.S. Perseus had just left Bombay
When they sighted a force of pirates headed their way
The captain, not surprised, had had the foresight
To send word to Admiral Worthington, just the other night.

"Mr. Howard, have the sails cast.
Secure the rigging on the masts.
We'll head west at fifteen knots"
Or so, at least, were his thoughts.

Soon the winds filled the sails
While the enemy frigates stayed on their tails.
"On deck quickly, sir," came the behest
"Three sails sighted to the west."

Quickly the captain came from below
The crew was running to and fro
Upon the horizon, past the bow
Three new ships made it seven, now.

The captain looked to the sea with caution
For him, surrender was not an option.
But could he jeopardize his crew?
He looked into their eyes and then he knew.

"Mr. Howard, hard to starboard
We'll send these pirates back to harbor!
Make sure all guns are loaded and ready!
Mr. Lawrence, keep it steady!"

The mighty warship soon persisted
All hands' help was enlisted
The massive cannons roared and thundered
And the pirate ship was torn asunder.

Then from aloft there came a clamor
A crewman just managed to stammer
" Five ships are sighted three miles out
They're British men 'o war, there's no doubt."

The crew cried out a loud "Hurray!"
For they saw it was the squadron from Malay
The captain gasped, he almost couldn't believe
That his message had been received.

The pirates saw they were now outgunned
Realizing their peril, they turned around
Smiling, the captain took his telescope in hand
For never had the squadron looked so grand.

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