Admiral AarJ’s Treasure Trove
Ponderings and Poems from a Salty Sea Pirate
Meet Admiral AarJ
Admiral AarJ (pronounced like the letters RJ, with a pirate growl) is a lifelong storyteller navigating the unpredictable waters of poetry and prose. Some days his literary coordinates lead him to the comedic and lighthearted; other days he sails into the serious side; and still other times he charts a course through wonderfully strange, eccentric pirate folklore. Step into his quarters, expect the unexpected, and enjoy the voyage..
He is also known as R. James
Retrospect
We've sailed the major oceans
and crossed the seven seas.
We've done battle in each and every one
to line the pockets of men like these.
Some crews battle for diamonds.
Some crews battle for gold.
My crew battled for all the above
and young maidens too - if the truth be told!
It was a highly kept secret that
in our favorite port for R&R...
the maidens all had tails.
They shared our grog and barstools,
while exchanging exotic tales -
(some true, some fantasies, and some of them lies)!
When again it was time to hoist our anchor
and turn our ship about,
the mermaids all remained in port...
telling tales (and swapping lies) - no doubt!
Other ships would also visit this port
to take comfort in this pirates' cove.
They came for its R&R, its liquor, and
its mermaids - (some pirates hoping never again to rove).
Dreams and fantasies all came true
so long as they imbibed enough there on the stool,
but come next morning, it was all forgotten
by hungover sailors who awoke feeling like fools.
One day repeated another
until that ship too, left port.
Whenever those sailors huddled together
they'd swap lies, huddle, and cavort.
And as to those mermaids - were they real,
were they dreams, or were they thoughts?
Were they a curse that plagued each crew,
or maybe witchcraft (I think not)!
Hints and rumors are all that's written
of what went on there while on R&R.
Many a sailor has "tried" to tell this tale,
but without fail - THEY NEVER GOT FAR! 😲
Truth is often just a whim away from Reality
Admiral AarJ (the Keeper of this secret) for 2+ centuries now
What the Rum Reveals
Sober, they look at my scars and they shudder… but look into their eyes when the rum flows and they’re deep in their cups…
They don’t pity or fear me, they envy me! I lived the life they only had the courage to see with their eyes closed.
The Good Old Days
Tonight, in the solitude of my cabin, I encounter glimpses of my distant past; the sea battles, the hand-to-hand fighting, the furled sails during heavy gales and the feel of my ship being tossed by angry seas… I remember the tropical sunsets and star-filled cloudless nights and the camaraderie and precision of a well-trained crew of swashbuckling sea pirates. At times, I can even smell the gunpowder and salty air and savor the taste of victory…Those were the Good Old Days!
A Pirate's Thoughts
Our lookout shouted "Sails on the Horizon!"
We set sails to intercept.
For in the coming battle,
we thought to seize the gold they kept.
As we drew nearer to them,
and our cannons got in range,
we fired a shot across their bow -
and made ready for the coming exchange.
The battle was a short one.
They quickly lowered their sails,
and offered-up their treasures -
hoping we'd not sink them....
to where the inhabitants all have tails!
In the parting, we sailed away,
each man being richer by far.
We pointed our bow toward Paradise Cove
each envisioning tankards... at the bar!
Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove is a treasure trove
where pirates go to drink
to forget their past encounters
or to just sometimes sit and think
Pirates aren’t the only ones
that call this port their home
Mermaids also hangout there
to keep pirates from feeling alone
Ode to Tiki Bars
I like to think of the tiki bar as a diving board…
a springboard into a refreshing and invigorating pool
where I go swimming in good times
Ahoy Mates!
Happy I am to drop our anchor
and finally row ashore.
Eager to wet my whistle with
a Paradise Cove drink (or more).
Bottoms Up, Mates.... Cheers!
Treacherous Ground
Long stretch the midnight shadows,
and bottomless is rumored the abyss
The moon only offers a sliver of hope
that I successfully cross ground like this.I cannot wait until morning, if I’m to
Have any chance of staying ahead.
In my footsteps, following close behind-
comes the Sandman to put me to bed!
I step into the abyss…and fall
Into a deep, deep sleep
The morning light will bring a new day.
See you then! Zzzzz Zzzzz!
An Old Sailor’s Thoughts
There is no accounting for the thoughts that cross my mind.
Fleeting thoughts, really... here right now, then suddenly Gone.
This old sailor's thoughts are like a turbulent storm...
here right now, but soon to scatter like the wind.
Left behind is the hulk of the man I used-to be;
now scattered memories of 'being in control'.
are all that's left, but weigh heavy on my mind....
so much so - at times, that I seek a Paradise Cove barstool,
and try to leave my cares behind.
Ahoy Mates!
Prepared for the Plunder
With the enemy's sails in sight, I checked my personal rigging.
In my pockets, or upon my body, I carried:
1. a cutlass as my primary weapon. a dagger to back it up.
2. my pocket knife and a tin of tobacco
3. some pieces of 8 (always prepared for happier times)
4. my Lucky Charm (let the devil take the loser)
After all is said and done
and our victims lie at rest;
and after collecting all THEIR treaures -
we've proved, once again, we're BEST!
Stormy Seas
Atop each wave we saw for miles,
but at their base we saw their "walls."
Gathered there, under furled sails,
we worried... one and all.
Be Careful What You Wish For
We cast our fate upon the wind
and hoped for calmer days.
As if in response, the wind died down,
the seas flattened - and we were no longer underway.
Be careful what you wish for.
Not all wishes go unheard.
Thoughts on Treasures
Ye can sail the seven seas in search of treasures afar, but those of most value be right where ye are
Ode to Stout Beer
I eat when I'm hungry, I drink when I'm dry.
I do what I want to ... I'm just THAT kind of guy!
I like my food spicy, I like my drink strong.
I like to be cheerful ... all the day long!
But when nightfall comes, and the stars appear...
I like to relax in comfort with a couple stout beers!
Voyages & Memories
Long were our voyages, but even longer are our memories.
