the port of call

The ship rows up

The muscled men row in tandem

The drumbeats hitting high

On the river rowing upwards

The captain surveys

The clustered trees and bushes

Crocodies swim in the river

Snakes silently crawling on the uneven land

“Pull up oars

We anchor here”

The Lord Baron walks in

“Why the ship not sailing?”

“My Lord” the captain says

“My men have to rest a while

This river is winding and tiresome

We need our rest before we begin”

“You know how much I have lost?

Every time you make your stop?

The time is running out on me

Captain, you better start sailing!”

“No my Lord

I am the Captain of my ship

I take no order from anyone

I am my own leader you know that”

The Lord Baron wants to shout

He controls himself and walks away

Counting in his head the losses

Of time and goods disappear

Then he turns around

“So be it captain!

It is your ship

Just make sure you don't stop anymore”

“Yes my lord

We will reach our port of call soon”

The sun shining down

The wind shouting in eerie sound