Poems and Stories

Monday, November 30, 2009

Greetings From Freeport, Bahamas!

Howdy Folks -

Nelle and I are now in Freeport and working on the schooner "Liberty Clipper" as we get ready to start the charter season out of Nassau. We are doing fine now after a long cold trip down from Boston! We did October & November in the Chesapeake and then left Ft. Lauderdale for Freeport the day after Thanksgiving.

Yesterday we snorkeled on Deadman's Reef near the West End of the island. Truth upon truth and without lying - the snorkeling was kind of sad because most of it is dead wiht that grey, brown dead fuzz all over it, fish were small and few, then we saw the hopeful signs of a hawksbill turtle and a spotted eagle ray. That was it. Back to the beach for a Sands vs Kalik beer taste test and a Conch Fritter appetizer. After that we went back to the boat.

more later!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Webster's Clothes


Yesterday we found Webster’s clothes
He just turned 90 everyone knows
This man of power, now diminished
Was here to start where most men finish.

He sat each day on the starboard side
Wind, sun, and rain upon his face.
He held the wheel and stood with pride
And sailed with us on The Great Schooner Race.

From Baltimore to Portsmouth, V.A.
Webster same up on deck each day
His faithful daughter by his side
To experience this salty ride.

No “bucket list” for Webster. Please.
This seasoned man with a gentle heart
This was not the last of his adventures
But one he called “A real good start!”

FTC,MOA
on board the Liberty Clipper
Baltimore, MD
11/24/09

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

"Blood Springs...Spring Blood

“Blood Springs…Spring Blood”


Senior citizen
With snowy mane
Bleeds so you
Can dream again.

You stabbed him
Time and time anew.
Each time he bled
And stared at you.

There was no hatred
Nor judgment from him.
A hint of smile
Shivered ancient limbs.

You drank his blood
Each drop held dear.
Amber gold
From crystal tear.

You feel no shame
You will strike again
In one more year
When the sap runs clear.

F. Thomas
4/11/09
This version has changes from original
Written on wood 4/7/09

Heading South...Again!

Nelle and I are about to begin another adventure as we prepare to join Andy & Biz on The Liberty Clipper, a 125 ft schooner heading south to The Chesapeake & then, The Bahamas for the Winter! Stay tuned for updates...today is 8/18/09

Monday, March 23, 2009

All is Ficton

It is hard to tell the truth
even when you try
Your memory will fail you
as the years roll quickly by.

Integrity may grow with age
as wisdom fades to dust
Steadfast, upright, proud you are
As age and age you must.

You stumble as you state your case
They snicker, turn and laugh.
There was a time! By God there was
When you did not need a staff.

The truth will out! You tell yourself
The mirror now your muse
But all is fiction now my dear
Life made you the ruse.

written quickly 32309 by FTC

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Maine Winter-January, 2009

"The Storm of '28" - (January 28, 2009)

Well. Mother Nature has chosen to show her sense of humor and test the character of New Englander's once again! When we left here last night we had 4-5 inches of new snow, Lincolnville added 6-8 inches more with winds over 30 knots making 3-4 foot snow drifts in the driveway. Then, from 9 pm to midnight, it rained, then THAT froze adding 2 inches of ice on top of the snow. So, you had to chop through the ice layer, break it up into chunks, carry it away and toss it OVER the snow banks left from the last 2 snowstorms -----------then, you could shovel out your driveway until you got to the street. There you are met with a 3 foot high mound of frozen snow, slush, salt and sand plowed into your drive from the state highway plowboys.!
Ahhhh...this is the New England that warm poets in southern states and drunk poets in northern bars and libraries write about.

As the despised, lying vacationers often pen to the less fortunate:

"Having a Wonderful Time! Wish You Were Here!!! (instead of me)