Red dragon

[Ian Adrian Millar]

RED DRAGON

I signed aboard a sailing brig,
A red dragon led the way.
We loaded coal for Italy,
And soon were under weigh.

It was the life for a carefree soul,
A young lad such as I.
We took our orders with a will,
And never questioned why.

Up aloft mid gentle breeze
On a yard arm in the sky.
We worked the lines we knew so well,
To our homeland bid goodbye.

For weeks on end we ploughed the sea,
Our food was hard and course.
None the less we persevered,
As we roamed from port to port.

Some times in graying years of age,
Back home at times of rest.
My mind reflects the dragon's wake,
Those years among my best.

Ian Adrian Millar

[Keith at Tregenna]

Thanks again Ian, interesting to me but, more than just the title:
Red dragon conjures up to me a Welsh connection but, much deems
more hence asking.

A red dragon led the way? An early ship ? The lead ship ?
figure head ?

Italy and coal ? Mind and thoughts are of more Eastern journeys but,
hope you will tell more.

My mind reflects the dragon's wake. Adds to my intrigue and
desire to know more.

Another, interesting penned thought of yours or some history behind it ?

For now await more and hope that they all back home at times of rest and
My mind reflects the dragon's wake, the person, relatives, family, us ?

Keep up the good work. Keith.

.

[Ian Adrian Millar]

Keith:The poem touches several personal thoughts, Red Dragon? certainly she is a Welsh ship, a brig much the same as my Great Grandfathers ship the old SOLWAY. Great Grandfather hauled coal from Wales to Italy as well as other cargoes to various Med ports. The ship carried a figure head of the Red Dragon of Wales also her name. As you know many of my ancient relatives were seafarers and this is mainly a whimsical tribute to anyone of them back in the 1800 days of Welsh sail.

Ian

[Keith at Tregenna]

Cheers, as an artist knows what they paint and the art world now try to decipher,
words need some thought and thanks, your reply / response assists me.

Appreciate all and again thanks.

Keith.

.