A STATELY OLD SHIP

The stately old vessel limps weakly towards port
As the rolling storm begins.
Veracious vermin
Gnaw at its rotting hull,
Destroying from within.

Colors that once flew proud and strong
In distant and exotic lands,
Now flutter shamefully,
Tattered and torn,
Reflecting the flaws of flawless men.

With cheers of fading greatness,
True patriots are scorned;
Demagogues are lifted aloft,
While the stately ship we mourn.

But the old vessel
Was made of sturdier stuff
By a different kind of man;
Storms and vermin and rotting hulls
It can easily withstand.

Waiting in port, a fresh new crew
Now eager to take command;
A new coat of paint, and fresh colors await,
This proud ship of state's next stand.




In memory of
Senator Edward M. Kennedy,
Statesman.

We wish you calm seas
and steady winds, my friend.


Eric L. Wattree
wattree.blogspot.com

Truth over ideology, and reason over conflict.