Atop the Mast

Once, I climbed atop the tall, wooden mast
Like a god, I felt I had conquered all
Through squinted eyes, I saw the ocean’s vast

In the waves, mysteries and questions asked
As the frothy crests do now rise and fall
Each one more magnificent than the last

Marvels surround my vessel, fore to aft
Graceful flying birds and watery walls
That break on my bow like a cymbal’s crash

Crustaceans on the deck, they dodge and dash
Most eager stowaways clamor and crawl
Evading the reaching saltwater blasts

Sweat cleansed from my brow by the ocean’s draft
It whispers in my ear a peaceful call
Then dissipates like a motherly gasp

Hear the crying gulls lament for the past
Then dart through the air, away from it all
I would never wish for a net to cast
Nor for anything else, content at last