When storms threaten on sea you must carefully plan
to salvage the sails from destruction.
And often there is but a limited span
to pull them without too much suction.
Once the wind starts to blow it can be too late,
and the danger of hurting the crew
when all hands are on deck and mate helps mate,
might be handled well trained, but still new.
The ropes are heavy and so are the sails
and it takes all power to pull
and fasten the cotton, and hold on to rails,
even steering the boat keeps hands full.
