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.