I Still Dream Of The Ocean

I still dream of the ocean 

Though deep inland from the sea

Recalling powerful currents and undulating waves

That can cause a sailing man to drown

Lost to the calm serenity and cool wafting wind

The ecstasy of salvation riding the briny deep

Within a sailing ship of iron and wood

Invincible for a man until the storm

I can smell the ocean air when I sleep

Making love to mermaids under frigid water 

Oblivious to the need to breathe

Awake I cough and wheeze

Tasting one last kiss from an illusion of days gone by

Sirens call from far away

Held within my loving arms

Though I am moored to land

Only my mind wanders

Consigned to doom in her arms and a sigh of remembrance

Thinking of such passionate love passed away

Wasted at the ocean's floor

On blood coral and the bleached bones of sea faring men

As I pass the days gone by in solitude

Swimming with sensuous memories

That cry like seagulls 

High above the shore

I dance with a fair maiden constantly
In a vision of yesterday

Upon the majestic beach at sun set

Haunted still

By her beautiful lies and fading songs.