The Rain Came

This one written for The Big Prompt Poetry Contest

The Rain Came

Twenty sailed from northern Maine
in the light of early morn.
Twenty would never see home again
or lands where they were born.

The sea was calm as mirrored glass,
daylight piercing sleepy eyes.
Twenty fates that would come to pass
as they bid their last goodbyes.

They were sailing for the Carolinas,
the crew's spirits running high.
There wasn't a single hint or sign as
to the anger in the distant sky.

A twelve knot breeze was coming in,
the holds full and the keel low.
They sailed with backs against the wind
as the waves began to grow.

They were eighty miles out of Charleston
when they hit a howling hurricane.
Lost fourteen men as the monster spun
til' only six of them remained.

The sea will play the cruelest game,
she takes whate'er she will.
The last six lost when the rain came
and the sea would have her fill.

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- First Prize