China Clipper

China Clipper

My little boat with all sails set
   Across my desk goes she,
A clipper on its way to China,
   For a cargo of jasmine tea.
A little world all it's own,
   Cannons run out their ports
To fend off pirates and brigands
   Ships boats resting on their thwarts.

The sheets upon the decks coiled down,
   Neatly as any decent crew would do.
Orderly to facilitate 
   Operation of rudder, line, sail and clew.
A ship of the age of sail; a complex
   Creature of machine, materials and men;
A breath-taking symphony all parts singing
   Across the waves on the howling wind.

© 2018 by Tom King