Poetry – Away on a cruise – a poem about travelling
Away on a cruise
I am not a cruising person. I find the idea quite repugnant. There is something pretentious about it – the dressing up for the Captain’s table – the pretending to be part of the elite and experiencing the five course restaurant meals. Then there is the jolly, jolly games to join in with – the deck quoits, quizzes, craft, gameshows and the evening shows and cabaret.
Not my scene at all.
But then I saw the cheap fifty five day tour to South America and looked at the ports of call; an opportunity to visit lands I would probably not ever get to, to see the wild-life and get a flavour. All for a ridiculously cheap price.
Then there was the factor of spending the whole of January and February in the warmth, under the sun, with a pool.
There was plenty of time to read and write.
It was too good an offer to refuse; two months away from the cold and mundane jobs; two months to relax and think.
So here I am – sitting in a cabin typing, writing poems and looking forward to disembarking for a look around Buenos Aires and Montevideo the day after. Rio was great and I’m looking forward to Cape Horn and the Falklands. Whales, dolphins, seals, boobies, frigate birds and flying fish pass by.
I haven’t made any new friends but I’m rubbing along and being prolific in the bargain. I have a deep tan and a good fitness level from walking round deck, cities and parks.
I’m enjoying this cruising lark.
Away on a cruise
They made me an offer I could not refuse
Away on a cruise.
An opportunity to read and write
In sunshine divine.
Enough vitamin D to lift the spirits.
To visit far off lands
In the wake of the great poets.
To breathe the air
To gaze on mountains, seas, trees, creatures and birds
My eyes have never seen.
To savour the difference,
Taste the fruits
And open the mind anew.
Nothing is more exhilarating than change,
It reawakens palates,
Opens the senses to delight
And replenishes the soul.
Refreshed
The words tumble over each other
In a desperate attempt
To etch the impossible
Into empty spaces.
But who can tell of colours?
Sounds? Tastes?
That adequately describe
The nuance of a single moment.
Siting in a café in Rio
With the sun and a beer
Unredeemed by the redeemer
But enjoying the sugar loaf of life.
23.1.2016
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Yes Opher ..you get it!
“But who can tell of colours?
Sounds? Tastes?… Not all things life can be described in words, they must be experienced and shared with the heart and soul to know one has lived”!
“Boobies”… O, you Man you! 😀😊🙌☀️
Enjoy the Cruise while many of us will be without power shortly because of the high winds and fire dangers here in California, blah!
At least with words we can share!! If only partially. It is so good to share! Experience is king though! To taste it all, savour it and let the experience melt into you. That is life. Adventure.
I hope the fires don’t disturb you. All the best in wonderful California – one of my favourite places!
Sharing words… it is lovely isn’t it? And adventure my favorite! I am very spontaneous and adventurous, yes Opher, that’s living! I keep many people in my heart when I am adventuring because there are so many people around the world who are in a wheelchair or bedridden, and are just not able to live like so many of us whom are very, very lucky to do so. The winds are frantic today! And the power is still on. When there were no winds The power was turned off for days! No matter where any of us live there is some kind of a possible catastrophe that can happen as we are all aware. Living in the forest we are prepared for fire! Ready to go at any time. I have lived in California my whole life. It is home with so many beautiful oceans and forests! Though the cities of California are overcrowded and I think that is partly why people are so unhappy and miserable, no space to breathe properly for the mind and soul? Happy adventuring and sightseeing, and making new memories! …”boobies” still giggling 😊
Hi Myth – keep safe! I remember those winds. When we were up in Big Sur sleeping under the stars in our sleeping bags, with the cougars and Milky Way, in surreal majesty, the wind suddenly got up so strong it threatened to blow us off the ground – and we were lying down. Quite scary!
I’m off down the Amazon in January!! Can’t wait!
The Amazon…Oh how awesome! I’m considering selling my cabin in the woods in the spring, and taking another leap of faith and moving to Ireland! Opher!… Oh my gosh enjoy yourself immensely! Take It All In! Be safe and well! ☀️😀🙌
Wrestling with anaconda, fighting off huge tarantulas, feeding piranhas – what can possibly go wrong?
Ireland is beautiful. The people are so friendly. But it is a huge change from California!
Good luck with that. What prompted such a move?
Anacondas, tarantulas, piranhas,”Oh My”! Opher, you’re not in Kansas anymore! 😀 What could possibly go wrong … One of the 3 items above could be on your breakfast, lunch, or dinner menu! 😀
What prompted such a move?…My storybook heart, also Ireland has been calling to me my whole life and I’m thinking that maybe it’s time to find out why? (A bout with reincarnation) But my sons are here in California and they would be devastated if I were to leave! Sometimes love of others is more important than our own dreams… Maybe a visit would be a better start I’m Not Afraid of taking chances or leaps of Faith, but rational thinking may have to come into play at this point!? Opher, any thoughts on reincarnation? I won’t expect any kind of reply from you until you’re done swimming the Amazon and beating off 90 foot crocodiles and alligators with your superpowers! 😀☀️Happy Trails!
Ha Myth – I would strongly suggest a lengthy visit before jumping in! Ireland is a great place. Not sure that I’d want to live there though.
Well as for the Amazon – that’s not until late Jan. I’m practicing outswimming piranhas (started with positive thinking), wresting anacondas (using a hosepipe for now) and scaring off tarantulas (I think they might respond to screams). I’ll build on the programme as we get nearer. I will certainly deploy all the superpowers at my disposal.
Has this new interest in reincarnation got anything to do with the possible outcome of my visit to the Amazon? Will I need a lesson or two on reincarnation so that when I am being crushed, stung and eaten I can come back as something better?
I love the idea of reincarnation. I love to imagine what I would get certain people (like Trump) to come back as. In reality I don’t really think it happens. I love the idea of Karma too!
Laughing at your reply😀 I would absolutely love to reply to a couple of your comments but this is the internet… all eyes are on someone to pick on, hate
,and ridicule, so I’ll just leave it at that! I did fail to mention that I have a couple of friends that are from Ireland whom I love dearly. They just have to take them on a journey to Ireland, their Homeland! Enjoy your workouts for heroism! And thanks for the chitty chitty chat chats!😀 Have a great time away! ☀️
Yes I know. The internet has opened the door for people to hate and ridicule. As for me – I don’t care. I write what I like and if people do not like it they can say. I love debate and intercourse! I did have a spate of really nasty trolling. But if you have a blog and speak your mind then you are going to get that, I suppose. It’s sad. Some people are sad. They do not seem able to argue without being rude and abusive. I don’t mind disagreement; I despise personal abuse or threats. I always welcome comments.
I have good friends from Ireland too. It is a smashing place. It is just a big step to uproot and head off without checking it out first. Get them to take you round!
I’m off to struggle with that hosepipe – so far it’s coming out on top!