WHAT'S IN A NAME?
By Mel Wade - 1998
By Mel Wade
I bought an old sailboat I hoped would be tame
--I should have been warned by its company name.
"Man -0- War" should have clued me to what was in store
Ere I wildly careened to the opposite shore.
On this maiden voyage it had seemed a bit brisk
But I "bent on the sail" and discounted the risk.
After crossing the lake in a minute or two
I thought heading home might be prudent to do.
While close hauled to the wind a gust caused a flip
I was soon "bottoms up" (and so was the ship).
I discovered the thrill of the "bounding main"
Had instantly changed to a watery pain.
And I suddenly realized another mistake
For there wasn't a boat or a soul on the lake.
While a seagull's eye view revealed to my horror
A long torturous tow to the far distant shore.
And my "overboard" cry could only be heard
By the mostly deaf ears of that same bobbing bird.
As I swam toward the shore with the sailboat in tow
In the teeth of the gale that continued to blow,
I had a faint thought that I figured to fail
In my very poor try as a sub for a sail.
But I had an idea as I struggled to float
That for luck I should think of a name for my boat!
"Wet and Wild", "Take a Hike", "Overboard" came to mind
"Clewless or "Flipper" for the sailboat behind.
"Tippy Toy", "Dipstick", or "Over and Out"
"Pinwheel" and "Revolver" were bandied about.
"Dipsy Doodle", "Little Dipper" received consideration
While "Dipstick", and "Dipster" supplied alliteration.
Inspiration arrived while approaching the pier
(The cramps in my legs would soon disappear.)
Now the boat will be named before next time it's breezy
With champagne on the bow of my boat, "Over Easy".
Reprinted here with the kind permission of the author
- Mel Wade © 1998 -
Music: Orinoco Flows - ENYA - (3:59) - Midi File Central