The Bloke here. After a rather interesting night at anchor, you know massive wind changes, rain, lightning, all the regular stuff, I have have had a thought. "What is it that I miss the most because of the adoption of this new life style?". Now of course the obvious answer is 'our family' and we do miss them. With modern communication however, we talk, email, Skype and text then almost every day. In a sense we have greater contact with them now, than if we were sitting in an armchair eating meals on wheels. That raises the issue of food. Well Eva is a great cook and provider. She is a magician pulling exotic tastes and food combinations out of a 30 litre fridge that would put any chef to shame. So it is not food and it is not entertainment. This life comes with its own action replays, fast forwards and new events every day. 'Friends' you might think! Well, with the fore mentioned communications we have been able to keep in contact with those nearest and dearest to us. No, the thing I miss the most is SLEEP!
We take sleep for granted and some of us have even wasted some by engaging in all night rave parties, sporting activities and those long weekend popcorn feed television or movie sessions. To all of you I would say "enjoy your sleep, relish it and do not waste it". If you have some to spare, and if I could, I would buy it. At 0300 on a rainy, windy night with a small lump of metal, chain and luck keeping you afloat, you could name your price!
Sleep is the gift of gifts! most prized! most sweet!
ReplyDeleteThe grant of mercy from offended heav'n!
The golden sceptre of the King of kings!
Nature's great fold, where, all who enter in,
The fierce, the strong, the wretched, and the vile,
Are by its mystic influence, made lambs!
Sleep is a shadow to eclipse the mind--
A sombre veil, that shrouds its dazzling light,
To give it greater lustre when withdrawn;
A sea of fathomless nonentity,
Wherein the senses bathe their weary pow'rs,
And noble reason quaffs refreshing dews!
'Tis the ruling spirit of mortality,
The friend of toil, and opiate of all care!
The soft embrace of a fond mother's arms!
The downy folding of an angel's wings!
The wine and oil, to strengthen intellect!
The atmosphere of balm-bestowing rest
To cheer the fainting heart oppressed with grief!
The spirit's Eden uncontaminate,
Where dreamy fancies range in heav'nly dress,
And the soul, all unfettered, tastes of bliss!
How on its velvet couch we love to sink,
And quit the dearest joys for its repose!
How, when distressed and wounded by the world,
We seek its leathean pool, and, weary,
Court its balsamic wave our sores to heal!
Has earth alone this mild oblivious pow'r?
Does the moon sleep? The stars? The burning sun,
With its untiring motion, pomp, and glare?
No! 'tis this fair and ruined world that owns
Its bland dominion; as a willing slave,
Who hugs the chain of her captivity,
And loves the despot lord that fetters her!
When this bright planet from its glory fell,
And its heavenly guardians were recalled,
One, touched with pity, sought Jehovah's throne,
And pleaded to remain invisible,
To soothe the pains and penalties incurred;
And to portray in visions of the night,
That bliss to man his sin had forfeited;
To be restored but when the gates of death
(Those massive portals to eternal day)
Should open wide, and let the wand'rer in;
And the Omnipotent, with gracious smile,
Listened to the angel's pray'r, and bade him
Go in peace, and nought his pow'r should quell!
'Tis said, that then the earth first raised her eyes,
All drooping on the ground, and wet with tears,
And, with a look of dimpling freshness, shook
Her radiant locks, dimm'd, and soiled with dust,
And with a glow that heightened all her charms,
Knelt to her heav'nly guest, and bowed her head;
And wheresoe'er the angel treads, she feels
The soft sensation still her throbbing heart,
And steep her sorrows in forgetfulness!
Thus sleep has ever since had sov'reignty,
And none can ever lose, or wish to lose,
Its gentle sway, all potent! all divine!
By C. B. Langston
My Dear Chook (Captain of vice soon to be simply "My captain") what a lovely thing to do. We will cherish this response. In those dark moments, which are certain to occur, because this is an adventure, these words will comfort us.
ReplyDeleteThanks you, this is perfect Solutions....!!!!, Really very impressed reading by your article!! Thanks Again!!!!! keep it up!!!!
ReplyDeleteSkype Technical Help
Lacy, We are very pleased that you like our blog. We are enjoying the journey and we know we are very lucky to be able to do this/ Again thank you for your interest.
Delete