
Gotham: The First Domino Ship cast asea, its belly full Coal gone, no more steam Itched and brittle with scurvy Noxious fog, lost instruments Sails hoisted, yet no wind Mates and passengers alike On our knees, we cough and pray, Facing mid-Atlantic gruesome end, To end albatross, millstone 'round Our sickly necks; orange, stenched Corpse, raucous croak of certain death, It rots above us in the crow's nest. Then comes distant thunder rumbles; Far Gotham of East (West.) Its temple Raised with many hands, Hope in its Domino-shaped stele; its lightning Alchemizes foul fog to fair clouds, Forms water spouts carrying fish, Fruit, and fresh water to famished. Screeching zombie gull lifted up, Away, downward, beneath waves, Silent now. A-move with gales & cheers, Our bellies and hearts full, resolute: Land, embark, build more dominos.
I am today’s host for dVerse’ Tuesday Poetics. The prompt is to write a poem using weather.


There is nothing worse at sea than no wind… love the way they were saved by that storm… (talk about being dependent on weather)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, out of coal and out of wind is a bad situation at sea. I’m glad prayers were answered.
LikeLike
A wonderful piece. Also, I really enjoyed watching the video; I like how the dominoes fell from the start to the end 👍
Thank you so much for sharing this awesomeness, Lisa! That made me smile ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aptivi, thank you very much and glad you enjoyed it :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome, Lisa ☺️
I hope you’re having a wonderful day today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this. Very nautical. I’m posting something on a similar topic tomorrow
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steve! Will be looking for yours tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mistake. Not tomorrow. The next day
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely poem Lisa ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maggie, thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful poem, Li. Love the video❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cindy, thanks very much. I love that video also!
LikeLike
Nice one, Lisa
much love
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gillena <3
LikeLike
Being caught in the doldrums, to be saved by a storm. What a frightening idea, sailing across mountainous seas. I truly admire the grit and bravery of sailors. Stunning poetry. so vivid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Freya, thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment.
LikeLike
a fntastic write Li 🦋🦋🤗🤗🎈🎈🤗🤗🦋🦋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, CA <3
LikeLike
An interesting poem, Lisa. I believe I detect a nod to the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. The dominos are amzing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Dwight. I love the dominos also. Seems like it would have taken her longer to set them up. I sure it trains one to be focused.
LikeLike
Wow, intense! Love the old-timey language…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Paula, many thanks glad you liked it :)
LikeLike
I always enjoy a good poem about the sea and this was epic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truedessa, I’m happy it pleased you, thank you <3
LikeLike
An inventive piece Lisa merging gothic sea horror with surrealist myth-making – fabulous- I love the nod to the Ancient Mariner 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ange, thanks so much for reading and your feedback.
LikeLike
Lovely poem Li. And loved the dominos display.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sadje. So did I :)
LikeLike