windsurf

the WindSurf

have you ever dreamed of being

as free as one could be

to sail on distant waters

to explore some distant sea?

well, there are many ways to do this

but all are not the same

for there are many ships out there

but only one I’ll address by name

there are big ships like floating cities

there are small ones that you crew

there are ones that must have power

and then those that will sail for you

but there is something said for a ship that sails

that others can’t surpass

and it all begins as she comes in sight

and you see those tall, majestic masts

then there is that wonder

when the ship quietly pulls away

as you slip into another world

and to a new port on another day

but sailing isn’t the only thing

that makes for a special trip

for next there is that deck plan

that differs from ship to ship

then once you think you’ve found it

there is one additional touch

that will make your trip so special

and it may not seem like much

for ‘star’ service is expected

because that’s what brings you back

but to be treated as if you were family

requires a different knack

because families form a special bond

that others can’t transcend

and has a ‘spirit’ that flows both ways

with a love that will never end

and from then on when you dream of sailing

you will hear that sirene ‘song’

that returns you to the “WindSurf”

and your other family that sailed along

now there is only one thing

left that surely must be said

and that of course is, “thank you”

or “terima kasih” and “salamat” instead

composed aboard and for the crew

of the msy Wind Surf

14 March 1999

johnny holloway

******

the windsong

‘twas a night aboard the windsong

on the south pacific seas

just ten miles out from taha’a

that will be remembered for eternity

what actually happened we may not know

that sealed the ships fate that night

but what will always be remembered

are all those who chose to stay and fight

a fire that turned into an inferno

in just a few seconds time

but everyone got off safely

because the crew left all they had behind

for safety must come first

and lives can’t be replaced

but when everyone made the lifeboats

you could see the sadness in their face

the passengers lost a dream vacation

a very special one indeed

but the crew lost everything they had

and gave it up to fight the fire with speed

so here’s to the windsong crew

those women and men so brave

who dedicated their lives to helping others

as if they were the only things to save

and let’s hope that there will be some way

to reward them for what they’ve done

even if it only covers what they left in their cabin

when that final fire alarm was rung

dedicated to the crew of msy WindSong

johnny holloway

5 December 2002

******

reaching

i went reaching for a rainbow

that i always thought i would find

never giving it a second thought

that it was only in my mind

never thought i would ever harm anything

with the exception of a fly

but it seems that it was just an illusion

that i created for my mind's eye

but what i really missed

were those who really cared

and now there is only silence

because they all are scared

for they have seen what really happens

when they have to take a stand

and it hurts them beyond all measure

if they cannot hold their head up like a man

so listen to the rumble

for it may just become a roar

that can break down, due to what was coveted

when that rainbow was far from shore

dedicated to the WindSurf crew

composed aboard our last voyage

johnny holloway

21 July 2003

******

reaching II

i kept reaching for that rainbow

that i always thought i would find

never giving it a second thought

that fairness sometimes exists only in your mind

took things through the proper channels

tried to see things eye to eye

that to protect others and denounced collusion

an harassment hotline they should try

for if nothing does get done

other than a purge of those who cared

concern will get turned to silence

because they’re all be gone or scared

then they will see what really happens

to those with the courage to take a stand

only to see what truths get changed and twisted

and reputations turned to sand

so listen to the rumble

if you don't want to hear a roar

when all trust breakdowns, due to what was coveted

when that rainbow was reached for, far, far from shore

johnny holloway

2 November 2003

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