Locum Tenens Pax

~ The Lieutenant's Peace ~

The setting sun, like liquid gold, 

Dispersed behind the clouds, so bold, 

Relieving shores of warmth's embrace, 

As dusk unveiled the night’s cool face. 

A fair young man on quarterdeck, 

Stood firm amidst the sea’s rough wreck, 

With auburn brown hair that kissed the sky, 

And freckles dancing, oh, so spry. 

His eyes, a blend of deep warm brown, 

Held ember swirls, in storms they’d drown, 

A confident smile spread wide and free, 

Like ships that sail on the open sea. 

“Ease back the bowsprit! Trim the sail! 

Let winds take charge, let courage prevail! 

Shake out the topsails! Hear my cheer! 

Let’s brave the storm, for freedom’s near!” 

He thrived on waves, where wild winds blew, 

With gallant heart, steadfast and true, 

As icy gales began to roar, 

He rallied his men to face the storm. 

Through chilling nights, with fear laid bare, 

Their ship danced wild, caught in despair, 

“Lo! Death approaches!” the sailors cried, 

With hope dispersed, they laid bare their pride

And astride their stance they tried to endure. 

“Belay! Stand firm!” rang their Lieutenant's bold decree, 

“Hoist up the sheets; let’s ride the sea! 

Through mountains high where the tempests swell, 

With faith and strength, we’ll break this spell!” 

Above, the moon like silver cast, 

Beside her, a star, a beacon vast, 

It shimmered bright in the stormy haze, 

Guiding their path through the ocean’s maze. 

With weary arms and spirits strained, 

They sought the dawn, where hope remained, 

The northern star, with final gleam, 

Led them forth, fulfilled the dream. 

At last, they saw the light of morn, 

On horizon’s edge, a new day born, 

The Lieutenant smiled, with gratitude’s grace, 

As the dawn broke forth, a warm embrace emerged.

He looked above, and poured forth from him strove this prayer:

“Oh, Stella Maris! Stella Maris shine! 

Your guiding hand, a love so divine! 

In darkest hours, you held us near your bosom, 

With whispers sweet, dispelling fear you gleam. 

Blessed Mother, keeper of the sea, 

For all you’ve done, we honor thee, 

With hearts alight and spirits free, 

We sing your praise on this wild sea.”