The Ship
“Wake up…”
He was such an asshole to wake me, every day, at exactly 0600 hours.
How he was able to do it to the minute I am unsure.
“There’s something up top for you.”
Perhaps another chore to make my hands bleed? Or a scolding to make my ears weep?
Regardless, I was not looking forward to His “up top surprise”.
I carry myself out of the hammock, gracefully I might add, everyone always argues how difficult it is to get out of a hammock. I fully disagree. Getting out of bed is much harder. Maybe because the bed is so soft and comforting. I’m not saying a hammock is not those things, but it’s just easier because you’re ready to get up into a better position. A hammock is forceful. A hammock is for working hands. To get you ready for a day’s work. I hate that. But again, it’s not difficult to get out of, it’s a physical motivator. If it wasn’t for him, I would be more joyous about expressing such motivation to work.
I find myself up on deck.
“Finally, what takes you so damn long man?!”
I don’t care to answer his questions. They’re always traps.
“Whatever. You’re here. Now listen.”
Here we go…
“There is another ship crossing our path in less than an hour. I need you to get the deck ready for the transfer.”
I’m not supposed to discuss the transfer too much, but all I can say is… they are, not, good.
“Understood?!”
“Understood!”
“Very good. Now… get to work!”
“Yes sir!”
I rush to my station.
For a proper transfer, the ship must be in perfect condition. Otherwise, we might not receive the transfer. And oh boy do I need this transfer.
It’s like cleaning, but with your skin pulled back to almost rip the flesh from your bones. It hurts, but you push through it because this transfer means everything.
They only come once in a while. Sometimes not for months, years…
So, you want this to be perfect.
It is a good surprise for sure, but the lead up is something out of a gory horror film.
There’s always pools of blood across the deck, but we have to clean that, so the transfer does not get discouraged.
They’ll know this blood all too soon after, but first impressions are a must for a proper transfer.
I scrub the blood and sometimes guts off the deck to make it brand new.
I pour and pour water to wash it overboard.
I tighten the sails and hammer the loosened rods.
The ship must be as if we first walked on it when they arrived.
“Less than half an hour!”
Faster than usual. I hope that’s a good thing…
I finish my duties and make sure everything is where it should be.
“Less than a minute now mate!”
I stand fast.
“Ready!”
“Yes sir!”
It’s covered in a thick layer of dolphin colored fog. But finally, a magnificent ship cuts through the gray, as if the ship was just freshly born. Glowing bright like a newborn sun. Warm red and orange colors mixed with the overwhelming white light of what’s to come.
“Steady!”
I straighten my suit.
The ship's bow gently kisses our stern.
We can’t see anything onboard. And I’m sure they can’t see us either.
“And… now!”
Just then, we jump to the bow of our new home.
I could have sworn I’d seen my past-self jumping back.
But it was too late, and our old ship was already sailing towards its new horizon.
***
After days upon our new ship, we had already seen wondrous creatures that could fill imagination books with years and years of tales.
“Come me lad, it’s time for supper” Papa shouted from the steering wheel.
“Of course, Papa!” I shouted back.
My Papa looked like a new man. A captain of the seven seas! He was now wearing a long and bright red, velvet, Captain’s jacket, with shining black leather boots that clicked at every step he made. The heels are studded in solid gold. I was so jealous, but also so happy for My Papa!
I finally had my own shoes! Shoes with bright colored, baby blue, laces, that wrapped side to side. I was so excited to step with such pride now! My pants were a beautiful khaki brown with a white belt that actually fit me. A nicely button-down shirt with a pocket for my writings. The future was looking up!
For dinner, we had fresh caught lobster, with buttered vegetables and delicious garlic mashed potatoes. I have not eaten in weeks now. This was a treat for my sad stomach and eyes.
“This is everything we need My Son.” My Papa smiled.
“Yes Papa, we can rest now.” I hugged him tight.
We feasted and did not worry one bit what the world might have in store for us next.
Because everything was right in front of us.
Joy.
Love.
Hope.
Knowing not what comes next is such a bliss…
A bliss left for the next ship.