Black Captain

Ever see someone do so well
That none could ever stop him
Commanding over the hardest swell
With no force or fault to top him

Well, under all and every word
Is hidden a woman or man
Who lights and inspires some higher desires
And allows him to do what he can

What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go

I was his true and he bade my fortune
And he leapt from on top of my shoulder
He could lead pure when my worship was sure
And many times even step bolder

He loved me and needed, saw trouble and greeted
For trouble is best met head on
What seems so distinguished became plainly vanquished
When I left to find life on my own

What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go

Now men laugh at him and say
That better men number in thousands
Nobody ever goes out of his way
To lessen his clowns as they crowd him

And I am nearby and I watch with a sigh
As my captain curls up like a cripple
And hope that he goes where nobody knows
Under sea and leaves not a ripple

What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go