By Shank's Mare

Here at my journey's end I reminisce with pride And though there are no witnesses I know that when my bones grow moss My kin will know my name My wanderlust is sated all the same My discordia My pain and my euphoria Pave the passage to The embrace of the bounding main Many years I've travelled Through the droughts and storms Though the wind bites bitter My old heart is warm For the deeds I accomplished Through blood and sweat And spirit rendered bare Have been nailed to the mantle I ride by shank's mare This mute ascendancy has made it all worthwhile For there can be no triumph without trial I'm conquering The ancient way of things Imparting consequence Within my own two hands Many years I've travelled Through the droughts and storms Though the wind bites bitter My old heart is warm For the deeds I accomplished Through blood and sweat And spirit rendered bare Have been nailed to the mantle I ride by shank's mare And with the change of season Intrusive thoughts loomed over me But all my doubts dissolved in the glory of the sea I've given back the valour I have no banners on my chest But I could never claim I lived a life bereft See that my walls have fallen down And errant footfalls make no sound I have no longing for a faultless legacy I have been ceaselessly enthralled So with my final curtain call I am enraptured with ovation and acclaim I set off in motion with a single step I have found fulfillment and joy and depth Many years I've travelled Through the droughts and storms Though the wind bites bitter My old heart stays warm For the deeds I accomplished Through blood and sweat And spirit rendered bare Have been nailed to the mantle I ride by shank's mare