The Sun is high. The waves are calm.

The sky is open, cool, and bright.

To any eyes this world would seem

to be quite perfect, yes, just right.

 

But I, who came here not by will

but by those men I did command,

cannot bear to stay here longer.

O what strong, harsh reprimand.

 

It’s my fault, you see. I pushed them to this.

My crew, they warned me not to do it!

I rescued pirates from the storm.

This act was my offense, to wit.

 

You see that night, ‘twas very fearsome,

and their ship was going under.

My crew they told me to ignore it,

but I paid no heed—what a blunder!

 

I thought that if I took them in

the pirates all would then adore me

(and when I took them safe to shore

I might extort a pretty fee!).

 

And then, perchance, by this great deed,

their hearts would change, these dirty thieves;

they would then be good, do crime no more!—

but their sins go on; not one of them grieves.

 

‘Twas a ruse, you see, and a good one too.

Their ship wasn’t losing to the stormy ocean!

They were preying on one who’d give them refuge,

so faked the crew the mortal motion.

 

When I brought them aboard they thanked me well

and  stood themselves in a strategic place,

then charged when they heard their captain’s word.

O what fear was writ my pallid face!

 

My crew was wise, foresaw this trap,

and beat the pirates back to sea,

tho’ we lost a few our loyal crew

and their wrath was turned to me.

 

The storm was gone, the morning kind,

but I was booted, to be marooned.

I gave protest. I was being swell!,

but they said be gone, or be harpooned.

 

Some time has passed. I live here still.

O how I wish to leave this land!

You pirates’ll give me a place on board?

No thanks, I think this isle’s grand!

 

The Sun is high. The waves are calm.

The sky is open, cool, and bright.

To any eyes this world would seem

to be quite perfect, yes, just right.