by Colleen Marlow

Black beards, tattered sails and those menacing flags flapping in the victory wind. Smoke and flame, rotten laughter and merchant’s blood inspired the lusty appetites of these sooty men. Sooty Men! Pirates!

Tonight walking the streets of ballastones, distinguished by their grisly expressions and bad manners. Hide the children! But all the town’s aching to watch as they make their way, four across (none shall pass!) to the tavern, the pink house with the red lamp, where rosy women greet them with golden ale. Behind closed doors, the pirates, they appreciate the warmth of color and company after long days on the ship with the cold air and gray smoke and the sky that’s endless like the sea.