Around the Cape

Once more the dutchman sails around the cape
too far from shore to hear the breakers’ boom.
No land fall, no lover’s call, no escape.

Around the world he sets a marking tape,
a silver shuttle through the wine dark loom,
Once more the dutchman sails around the cape.

Velvet storm-wracked nights a woven cloak to drape
bent shoulders bleak gazing into the gloom.
No land fall, no lover’s call, no escape.

Mind’s eye sees the dawn, mind’s ear hears the jape,
pointless foolish vow as he left the room.
Once more the dutchman sails around the cape.

Madness has no chart, despair no escape.
The only sane truth is we make our own doom.
No land fall, no lover’s call, no escape.

Dark room, blank chart, frayed measuring tape,
sextant fixed on spark in gathering gloom.
Once more the dutchman sails around the cape,
no land fall, no lover’s call, no escape.