The Mast is Raised - The Sunday Ode

By Manu Gunasena

The mast is raised, the sails are set
and I watch you from afar;
As you set sail, your slinking star
grows dimmer hour by hour
To voyage unknown seas,
to undreamt realms, unbeknown to me;
Leave behind without remorse
the singular bliss I've found in thee.

Yet, may a friendly, soothin' breeze
steer your steward less ship;
And land, without ado, you safe
on some friendly, foreign shore;
And throughout your voyage,
with my name on your lips
Reminisce the love that lies enshrined
within your heart's core.

So bon voyage, my love, I wish you well,
with god's speed, gently go;
Though without care you leave, leave me thriftless
with love's lasting woe;
And may you never know the savage hurt
that swirls within this sore,
That ravage eternal lurking,
bleeding from every pore.

And tonight, in melancholy,
as I watch you silently depart,
Without a word, without a murmur,
dispense love sworn in my heart;
My heart harks love's once sweet song,
once sung by your love's sweet lark;
Who now flies to lands unknown,
leavin' me dead in a darkened cask.

But should thy ship dash the rocks
and, in a storm, you alarm;
May the divine hands the tempest still,
the gods protect you from harm.
And should you reach once more this port
from which you now depart
Know I’ll be awaiting you,
with love swelling my joyous heart.

And then on home's shores will I wait
in my boat that ever pursued thee;
That unbeknown to you followed you
from each shore to shore;
And thank the heavenly gods
for bringing you safe home to me;
And love without pause love rekindled in our hearts,
the love we always bore.