"...A Simple Yule Story"

 

(A mid-shipman Pip Yule story in the style of a period children's tale. This for my friends, especially "Z". I make a cameo as his "Uncle". The *first Stave of Pip's adventures is below this one. You may wish to start there. "Pip at Sea" ...also, there's a bit of time travel in these few lines. As Pip, and his current ship are from 1904, and this story takes place in 2032. ...shit happens.)

The HMS Agamemnon ported at the isle of Isabella Norte on Christmas Eve.  Snow on the ground winds were brisk. Passersby greeted one another heartfully. The spirit of Yule was well about.

As Dickens wrote. 

"Christmas is that one time in the rolling year when men, and woman from all circumstance open their shut-up hearts to the world."

Young Pip on liberty walked up Algernon Hill. This to his uncle's shop of "Bewildered Amazements".  All prices negotiable.  Pip banged the brass knocker whose shape changed as the wind blew against it. First a lion then a hawk then when opened his dear Uncle. Pip's kindly often befuddled Uncle.

Surprised, and bearing a broad smile Uncle said, "...Pip! Ah! ...and a merry Yule to ya. Come in child! '...in in in from the cold!" "Hi Uncle!" Piped Pip his round glasses fogging from the warmth of the shop. Laughter smiles, and ironic jibes followed. 

"Cider! we must have cider" happily bellowed uncle.  

Uncle's apprentice Toby poking his head from a side door, "...Hey Pip!"

"Cider, and buttered buns!" said uncle.

"Hot Christmas Cider and buns it is!" said a blushing Toby disappearing into the heart of this magical yet user friendly shop.

About time travel. 

Our dear 19th century Pip often brings items from the past. This is how uncle gets so many bewilderments for the shop. More in another story.

Old uncle took Pip's tunic, and gratefully accepted various items from Pip's century. They sat by the fireplace where they spoke of seas ships madmen, and poets.

Then came Toby with three very large drafts of Minted Yule Cider! All three souls sat together warm, and cozy as they sipped laughed burped, and laughed again.

Happy they were. 

Happy in each other's company. Happy with the world.  

Happy as they blessed all in it.

A Happy Yule and New Near to all.

*Here below Stave One of the Pip tales.

Once upon a time.

"Pip at Sea"

Being the Journal of Mid-Shipman Jamie Pip. Royal Navy Cadet.

HMS Forteana, May 12th, 1903

I stood "Bow Watch" from quarter noon till sundown. Observed, and reported a French steamer on the starboard horizon. Post noon a Spanish Ironclad "Man 'o War" crossed us heading east then turned true north.

Twin rainbows sighted 12 degrees to port. A great storm has skirted us.

...for now.

Most enchanting however at dusk a Pod of Blue Whales rode our bow break. How graceful they glided as they sang to each other.

************************************************

HMS Forteana, May 14th, 1903

17 degrees N/NW of the Isle San Angelica de Gabriela. 

A full Moon to port, and North Star above. The three sisters of Orion drifts at our windward. 

The Forteana sings.

At night from her rigging's sails boards comes music. Her timbers groan her bow a soft choir, and oh how cleanly she cleaves the sea.

The ships bell chimes as a call to prayer.

**********************************************

HMS Forteana May 17th, 1903

A new lad came aboard by launch from the port of Isabella. His name is Aliabad Wellington. He is kindly in disposition, and comely in appearance.

A "Black 'a Moor", and poetic in his speech.

Though a Jew I shall be so forward as to befriend him. Perhaps he will smile upon me if I gift him my precious volume of Sufi poems, and prayers.

**********************************************

The 19th of May 1903,

9 degrees E/NE of Saint George's Atoll.

The mentioned gales have caught up with us! The captain has ordered we sail into the wind. Waves lash the decks The sea looms over us. Fish rain down as "Manna".

Cook says, "...if we ain't pulled to the bottom we'll eat well this night!"

So fearful yet beautiful is this.

The sky a blur of color, Bright arcs of lightning dance on every horizon. The sea illuminated the masts ignited by "Saint Elmo's Fire!"

The bow digs deep yet rises again the rigging makes her music. The good "Forteana" yaws hard to port then starboard then again bows even more deeply.

The eyes of the younger Cadets are wide with terror yet wonder too. So it was for a night, a day and a night.

Fading drifting sand in a gentle wind...

A dream, how... why.... the ship the storm Aliabad faded slowly...vanished.  

Even myself...gone.

I awaken with the fragments of lives on the tip of my soul. Fragments which as the moments pass melt to nothing.