Lost Sea Voices

Here's some mediocre poetry I wrote some years ago. The title, Lost Sea Voices, was inspired by a track from an album by the cellist, Caroline Dale: Such Sweet Thunder. For the text I am being unforgivably romantic, marginally autobiographical and quasi-religious. I borrow more imagery from another track on the same album: To Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores. Caroline’s music does not fit with the words I have written, (more likely it’s the other way round!) but her melodies are evocative of a mysterious journey.

Lost Sea Voices

I sail uncharted waters.
I ply a restless sea.
I explore what Christ has bought us;
Learn what it is to be.

I welcome each new sunrise:
New knowledge and new lore.
Another day for singing?
Perhaps I’ll find that shore?

I sail with joy. I yearn for peace.
I hope for victory.
I crave true faith. I seek real love
And glorious harmony.

Now, those Lost Sea Voices
Cry to me from the deep;
Seducing me; they call me,
“Come, lie with us and sleep.”

Gently, they caress my mind.
Here, at last, is rest?
Is this what I’ve set out to find,
Or another savage test?

I hear their false discourses;
They know not what they say.
“Away, you Lost Sea Voices!
Your tones do you betray!”

“Oh, no!” they lie, “You’re one with us.
Your quest is all forlorn.
Cease your search and die with us.
With us you’ll be reborn.”

I put about my craft and sped
O’er the watery wilderness.
But still they call me to their bed:
“Here is your forgiveness!”

I pray my God will find me
And lead me by the hand.
I pray He will protect me
And guide me to His land.

I am those Lost Sea Voices:
Floundering overboard.
So come, my Lost Sea Voices,
And sing with one accord:

Pray our God will know us
And take us in His hand.
Pray He will forgive us
When we reach His land.

Sail with joy, yearn for peace.
Hope for victory.
Seek out true faith. Embrace real love,
And glorious harmony.

(CT June 2003)



Now, excuse me while I find the antidepressants!