Spirit of the Sea
by Elisabeth Anderson

Sailors stand in yellow parkas
shivering on the deck
clutching the icy railing
as they brave the waves and spray.

They listen to the bang
as the deadly harpoon leaves
and feel the heavy thud
that cleaves the hide in two

Cold steel burning flesh
spilling red blood out
deep into the ocean
where life once roamed about.

They all reach out to heave
the wailing creature in
waiting with blackened ropes
to bind the freedom down.

They smell the oil and blubber,
many thinking of perfume,
they capture twenty more
and some can’t breathe the air.

Welcomed home with cheers
many raise their heads with pride.
But, some do not smell
the joy and taste the victory.

Some scorn the brutal
slaughter of the
Spirit of the Sea.




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