Passage Of Sir Drake, (1)

Utter reverence from South to Northern gate Stalking slowly the passage of Sir Drake, Each man salutes those who have gone before Men exemplar who found Atlantic's door. Those capsized, perhaps, best can tell the tale Of feats accomplished, journeys doomed to fail, Legends speaking though laid down to their rest Eyes still peering from the narrow of the depths. From England to Spain's unassented eye Primed their sails with linaments of the sky Circumnavigating, tracing the earth, Seeking riches for England's hungry purse; A pilgrimage fraught through dark and holy night Beneath the moon, earth's maiden garbed in white, Upon the sea, its shining devout breast Directing waves that rise and genuflect Penitent through the long and fruitless years Hardships logged, though not least among their fears. Leaving Plymouth this sun washed bluing day With light winds sweeping mist inside the bay Vaporous ghosts lingering near the hull Muting echoes of the anchor's rising thud. Pelican, a ship of fated resolve, Clinging close to view appears then dissolves Paradoxically as light is shun, Outward measure's of sight reduced to none; But, in the banquet of a glorious sun Inward vision remains though feasting done, Tranquility prevails in silent calm Each stronger thought giving the weaker alms, In the company of this sumptuous fare Faith sustaining hope feed those who dare. This field of adventure, a complex grain, Planted in the tiered garden of the brain Watered by blood of a stout fearless heart Seeding passion heroic deeds impart.