Storm at Sea

Prompt words in red.

A Mediterranean Brigantine Drifting Onto a Rocky Coast in a Storm

Willem van de Velde the Younger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The art is exquisitely rendered in oil.

Light breaks through the tempestuous sky,

clear radiant beams leaking from heaven.

The wonder of the storm

and it’s awesome power,

appreciated by gallery observers,

goes unnoticed aboard.

The captain struggles at the helm

to navigate, change course.

What detours could save his ship?

His crew?

Himself?

Not far, to the right

the viewer sees the jagged rocks,

and violent surf prepared

to split the ship.

No delays, nor any swift maneuvers

can save them now.

The wreck is as inevitable

as it will be catastrophic.

The Versesmith