Potatoes

30 March 2014

here ye here ye
here comes a story of great importance
for in the halls of this ship
were we ship’s folk roam
tales are told of a potatoe shortage

when first I came to know
I was covered in black
for I was working with paint
wich is a messy business
concerning the deck

at first it was a whisper
barely loud enough to hear
scared voices talking of stores
a complication with potatoes
for that was all that was clear

and then this evening at the table
set for a sumpteous supper
the first mate said in a frightened voice
these are the last of the tatoes
and my legs became rubber

as it dawned on me slowly
that these potatoes lying on my plate
they are the last ones
for 2 weeks coming
oh, dire be our straits

pasta rice and porridge
whole wheat bread cheese and tomatoes
all healthy snacks I’m sure
but tell me how can one endure
when there is lack of potatoes

the life of a sailor
especially when he is dutch
without the comfort of potatoes
I’ll be honest and frank
such a ships life, aint worth much

one hope though
we all cling to during these days
in our galley working day in and out
are Job and Eline
whom are skilled in the culinary ways

Peter