They sailed on over rising waves which spilled
on deck when prow leaned down within the trough
between the crests, but the ship’s hull maintained
integrity and did not sink. Amidst
the tumult they lost sight of coastal land
which threw them off their course. At night the clouds
obscured the stars and so they drifted blind
across the wine dark sea. For countless days
they only saw the sky and water, but
not any drop to drink. Their throats were parched
and rations gone, their minds delirious
and fingers numbed, some thought they had escaped
their mortal coil into afterlife.
At last upon the breeze they heard a song
Of senses which they followed to an isle:

View the strings on which we dance
With the eyes by which you glance
Prick the touch that grows to swell
Sweat the taste of caramel
Glisten soft the ocean spray
Smell the sea on windy day
Hear the waves on shore they crash
Dusk to dawn and ash to ash
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