The next day we begin
To swab and sweep and sift
Through layers of grime
It seems he has a gift
For finding little beauties
In the most unbeautiful things
He shines the faded mast
Till it gleams like a diamond ring
He sweeps the mulched-up floor
Until it becomes smooth
He polishes the helm
Until it glints of youth
He dusts the neglected walls
With such a gentle hand
That I can't believe he is so young
And that he lives on land
I help him and watch
Transfixed by his careful ways
Then turn back to work
So he doesn't feel my gaze
That day we leave the ship
In many ways the same
But in one way it is different:
She now is in Ship Shape.
YOU ARE READING
Playground Pirates
PuisiIf only we could go back in time/ Rewind to the very start/ When we were playing pirates/ Not sinking oceans apart/ -- Cover by @lunaishi
