Tonight's Poet Corner: Black Ship

Black Ship
by Belinda Roddie

A shadowy vessel emerged on our shores
seven hours into Christmas morning.
From its maw, six pirates disembarked,
all burdened with boxes and parcels.

We half-expected chests of gold
as we watched them hobble onto the sand,
but instead, we were greeted with far
more appropriate gifts and treats.

Fresh, clean fabric for making shirts,
furs and pelts for hats and accessories.
Crates of chocolate and other sweets
from countries we had never heard of.

Bells and instruments to play
while we sang the carols of our land.
And of course, bottle after bottle
of fine ale, wine, rum, and mead.

We knew that these buccaners had come
not to raid but to provide, and we offered them
new swords and pistols so that their war
on water could be a bit easier to manage.

After all, it was Christmas, and even
rascals need a break to celebrate. A toast
to the rogues of the black ship - just don't
get under the mistletoe with any of them.