Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #410 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/04/kreative-kue-410/#respond

The photo.

Sea Chanty by John W. Howell © 2023

Me and my wheel. Do what we will.

Guiding this scow. Up here at the prow.

Alert for pirates, Alone with no shipmates.

Some say I’m crazy. Some just say lazy.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Them I ignore. Three fingers I pour.

Rum is my friend. Let’s do it again.

A tip to the sky. And Islands passed by.

A toast to the rich. That worry unhitch.

I love the sea. The sea loves me

Here’s to me, poor. With no office door.

A salute to my shirt. No cares for the dirt.

My smile never stops. This job is the tops.

No timeclock to punch. A three-hour lunch.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Not that much in pay. But a four-hour day.

So, the lubbers on land. I wave, and I stand.

I give you a smile. And then, all the while.

I know that I’m fine. With a fish on the line.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

Keep me in mind. For your charter, next time.

Till then, I’ll be here. Nursing this beer.

I love the sea. The sea loves me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i

 

82 comments

  1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Nice. Any way to put this to music?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are so kind, Charles. Thanks.

      Like

  2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Ha ha! I love it!! I’m with Charles. I’d love to hear your sea chanty set to music.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Liz. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Seems like a pretty good life to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    What a charmed life he leads 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Seems that way doesn’t it.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. GP's avatar

    Can I go too?!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sure. Hop on. We’ll cruise the Keys.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP's avatar

        Oh, nice!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Darlene's avatar

    This is excellent. I agree, it would make a great song. Maybe The Fisherman’s Friends could sing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Sounds nice! I’d love to be sitting in his seat right now.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Dan Antion's avatar

    The way you make it sound, I think I could do that, John. I agree with the others – music!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Might be fun and relaxing.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. tokragly's avatar

    I enjoyed that John. I’d love to be onboard.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. John Hric's avatar

    Good one John. Just trying to decide if that is really a vessel. Or if it is a permanent part of the pier. Either way the beer navigation system still works.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Beer nav always works.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Nice poetry, John. Like some others, I think it could be set to music and make a cool song. If he wants to quiet the criticisms in his brain, three fingers of rum would do it. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think it would, Tim. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. lois's avatar

    I love this! Yo ho ho never sounded so good! A few more beers and you’ll be rappin’ this one out. Oh wait, is that Marine Patrol….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Since I’m not behind the wheel let the patrol come aboard. I’ll give ’em a piece of my mind.A small piece of course.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lois's avatar

        Do offer them a beverage, too…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Good idea.”Hey ossifers. You guys care for drink?”

          Liked by 1 person

        2. lois's avatar

          😆😂🤣

          Liked by 1 person

  13. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    fun poem, John! Ready to set sail.. rum in hand; I love the sea and the sea loves me. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There you go, Matey.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Dale's avatar

    This is absolutely wonderful, John. I have a few friends who live this exact life. My father would have loved to, as well, but alas…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think I could spend some time doing this for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        So could I!

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    What a fantastic surprise today, John! I never knew you were a poet, but this is great!

    Like

  16. Dan C's avatar

    Where are your shrimp nets Forest?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Fish nets around you are temporary at best. 😊

      Like

  17. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    A poem which is definitely sea-worthy, John. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Arrrrgggg. Thanks Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Fun sea poem, John 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    That was amazing, John. You’re quite a poet, and you definitely made me want to spend some time on a summer sea. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Diana. It would be fun.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Mae Clair's avatar

    Oh, I love sea chanties. I feel like we should all sing-song it and break into a jig.
    Fabulous, John! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. So glad you liked it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    What a fun walk in verse – to dreams, to peace, to the sea. . .
    You’re quite the poet, John. I tipped my hat, did you notice? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Why thank you, Gwen. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Debbie's avatar

    Outstanding, John! You need to find a composer to set this one to music. Could be a very successful second career for you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Debbie. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  23. House of Heart's avatar

    Oh! I love this! The sea loves me too. Great job with this John. I agree it should be put to music or rap it. 🎶😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That would be fun, Holly. Who will sing it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Heart's avatar

        Timothy… lol . Of course if you’re a rapper look no further. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Look at me. Do you think I have any rap DNA? 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. House of Heart's avatar

          Hey, it’s possible, you look pretty hip to me!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Aw. You are the best. 🤗

          Liked by 1 person

  24. cheryloreglia's avatar

    I love the sea. The sea loves me. Excellent writing John, thank you for sharing! I agree with Debbie, set that one to music, it will be fabulous. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Cheryl. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Like

  25. Sorryless's avatar

    You’re a pirate AND a poet.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Maybe a pawn and a king.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Up and down but tell you one thing.

          Liked by 1 person

  26. circadianreflections's avatar

    This is so good, John! I shared your Sea Chanty with #1 Grandson who is into all things pirate and nautical at the moment and his was response was… “Pure art and poetry. 👏👏” He loved it!
    I agree with the others it would make a great song.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I am so happy to hear that Deborah. Tell #1 Grandson thank you very much.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. circadianreflections's avatar

        I will! I should be talking to him this afternoon.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Also he has great taste in lyrics. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  27. Jennie's avatar

    This made me smile and think of those who run charter boats and love the sea.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It made me think of those guys too, Jennie. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Mark. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Unknown's avatar

    […] Sea Chanty by John W. Howell © 2023 […]

    Like