Art:Poetry Death Match/Archived Round 5

Poetry Death Match Round 5 consisted of terza rimas. The archived results are shown below with the winning terza rimas in bold.

Match 193	Sharrac	Kaosfere
	The iron grazed my ear; I felt the burn. "To port, or lose your finest sailor, Cap!" I grimaced, braced, and readied for the turn. For one instant I thought the ropes would snap; They held fast. Then there came a fizzling splash - The shots fell dead where we had left a gap. Nimbly, Captain steered us through the crash (I can't deny, however, we were hit - Broadsided by a frigate in a clash Around a triple flag, and I admit We weren't sure we would make it out alive!) And round by round, defenders did submit. The day was ours! My winning flag would thrive! We'd left a mark - our own! - upon the land! I gave a cry - then with a start, revived. I pushed aside my sheets and dreams so grand But smiled when I saw my rope-burnt hands.	Across the ocean, furrowed brows now crown the monarchs' heads; they sleep disturbed as on the dark horizon war clouds loom. The haunting specter of armed combat stalks them in their beds. A wizened king of flag once grand, sequestered in his room, now wonders if the choices made will bring the glory back, or if they'll hasten on his flag to its impending doom. In harbor lays his fleet arrayed, prepared for the attack. With frigid glint of deadly flame, the guns now silent rest. The warships strain against their moors to throw the upstart back. In mirrored style the young one waits, preparing for his quest. His mates both raw and eager dream of triumphs yet to come, the lust for glory found in combat beating at their breast. One final night of silence, now, one last sip of the rum, as valiant warriors bid farewell to lovers and to friends. Which ones will see the battle's end, and which the funeral drum? The dawning's break brings gunfire's crack, the ancient flag defends. The strength of youth cannot be checked, the upstart owns the field -- the elder king perceives his fate, too late to make amends. The battle's fury shatters men, in smoke the fight's concealed, but darkness could not hide the brutal truth both monarchs see. The clashing of two kings resolved: the older one must yield. A new armada now sits harbored in the island's lee, a precious safety won by many men whose blood was spilled. For every spirit returned home, another one set free. The losing flag disintegrates, the victors must rebuild. The winning monarch claims his throne, the vanquished hides his face. For each dream on the ground in ruins, one has been fulfilled. The youthful king must now enjoy his hard-won days of grace -- the cycle soon will turn again, an upstart take his place.
Match 194	StKittsSam	Squidbeard
	I've joined a crew that flies a mighty flag! They're going to win an island any day, And that will give us all a chance to brag! The blockade's coming soon, our captains say. Our navigators practice every night, And all of us donating jobber pay. The weekend's here, and so begins the fight. It's sinking - so the island's rulers chose. But when five rounds are gone, it's ours by right! Our King, as governor, may now impose Our plans to make our mark upon the isle: Construction sites pop up in hasty rows. The captains and the royals start to smile And sketch out blueprints for their real estate And rush to give the message boards our style. "Build ironmongers," so goes the debate. The old flag has one; we will crush their sales. A friend with a bazaar stall shares that fate... The royals are too busy now for sails; I try to cheer up with a solo run. The whistle sounds, a warship surely trails. At once, I realize what my trip has done! My older, wiser mates all knew to stay Ashore, a week of war yet, though we "won" I try to turn, and go the other way, They recognize my lack of battle skill. The only ship I owned is sunk this day. I'll practice now, and never rest until Their fleet has paid me back the debt it owes And all their favorite ships lie deep and still! A captain now, behind her, fire grows War's punishment, the only "game" she knows...	In better days, we called each other friends, Who merrily sailed together on the seas. But there are things that time and words can't mend. We've given up on diplomatic pleas, And now it's down to cannons, men and blades; The smell of powder wafting on the breeze. The ships are filled with sailors to be paid, And bosom allies, bound by ties of blood. All here to help us win one more blockade. The call comes down the line from Captain Rudd: "All ships prepare to make weigh with the tide -- Our fight for vengeance rides in on the flood!" And so these two great fleets will soon collide, The quiet, shattered by the cannons' blast, When we let loose our first deadly broadside. 'Tis tragic that this whole thing came to pass, Because they did not pay us for the last.
Match 195	Drusilla	Nartie
	Last Year's War Oh Hell is wet, and just beneath the prow. In last year's war I sent men there to die With all the fury my heart would allow. And still sometimes I idly wonder, why? The glory of the win, and counting sinks, The hellish glow around ships passing by! I like to call myself a man who thinks, A merchant's heart and head in times of peace; By day I trade, at night a couple drinks. But in my merchant's heart I find release In gun-smoke and the roar of cannon-fire, In sinking enemies by sheer caprice, Yes, I admit, I relish this desire And gloat about the injuries I've dealt; I revel in the fear my name inspires. Knee-deep in war, my inhibitions melt. The acrid smell of powder seems to catch Within my throat, with any pity felt. Friend, Hell is wet, and just outside the hatch; Should I go there I'll demand a rematch.	A Blockade Jobber We came from far, we travelled long O'er many leagues we sailed To alight at an isle's dock, a few amongst the throng. "Can we confirm we do get paid? Before we board a ship?" This was the reason why we came - to job in the blockade. "Aye, yes you do, just see yer skip The end of ev'ry round. Mind ye work - no lazers here!" he said with hand on hip. And so upon a frig we found Ourselves and others too, In midst of battle it was soon, and blasting all around. Below the deck the splinters flew, Ship took on water fast. Hard we worked to get her fixed - this blockade jobbing crew. Then suddenly a bigger blast The ship blown clean in three! The enemy had done for us, they'd got our ship at last. And so we fell into the sea And swam we did to land. On the beach we came to rest - my friend Teazer and me. And as we lay upon the sand Admired we my new hook hand!
Match 196	Daynarius	Kgarrett1969
	Team One v. Team Two With oft' sketchy uses of posting decorum And shots 'cross the bow, It all starts in the forum. Team One calls Team Two's favorite monarch a cow. Team Two vows revenge; Team One laughs, asking, "How? "Planning to scrape and to mooch and to scavenge? For we do surmise You've not poe for the challenge." But what should appear to their wondering eyes: Team Two's secret fleet Bearing ships of great size! When at last the smoke clears and the rout is complete, Team Two's smiles are smug, Team One smarts with defeat. A pause, whilst each team counts up cost -- ball and jug; With investments of poe They must mend sword and mug. Now back to the tart-laden forum they go, But this time Team Two Is the bellicose foe. "We fart in the general direction of you! A cow, is our queen? Well, your king smells like poo!" And so it goes on (with a stop for caffeine); Same bat-time, same bat-channel, same ol' piratey scene.	Blockade Morning dawned bright, to warm the island sand, And chased the mist from on the ocean blue, And so brought peace across that balmy land. Behold did come to mar this tranquil view, A dark and massive fleet of sailing ships. In each there was a grim determined crew. 'To arms!' Twas found on ev'ry pair of lips, That called all men upon that fateful day To make their way to all the waiting slips. Each vessel manned did enter in the fray. As hands did clash upon that shrouded sound, For loved ones dear did each begin to pray. The guns blazed forth many a deadly round To send those mates into the deep so cold And there to find a sleep amongst the drowned. As battle waned, the darkness did enfold Itself on both the living and the dead, And so brought peace to rival days of old. Who lost and won upon that day most dread? The sand . . . It knows . . . It's stained a crimson red.
Match 197	Kaet	Mannafh
	King is pacing, frown in place Royals are antsy, waiting King halts and stares into space. Crews are nervously debating How will their flag respond? Some can foresee celebrating. King looks at Royals, then beyond The Royals nod...well, all but one. King smiles and winks, he knows the bond. Dissenter shrugs and nods; they've won. A solemn toast with strong drinks Begins a time some find fun. Out on the ocean, many sinks It's entertainment, methinks.	The bloodthirsty flag of Pay for Play Has a firm motto: Attackers shall live to rue the day They thought to become our foe. And many a flag has learned the cost Of war is more than poe. For nary a blockade have we lost, Though many we've fought and won. Down to Davy Jones' locker their ships we tossed, Til we had them on the run. For the mates of our flag fair Think glub glub glub is fun, And the minute that war is declared Launch their hunting ships to the sea. For none can resist the dare Or the challenge of PvP. So royals had better think twice 'Fore they threaten our Queen Cyndie, Or they'll soon be paying the price Of their frigs as sacrifice.
Match 198	Jonsulman	Kargach
	Friday Night The sun sets red on Ruby's gentle sea. A cloud appears The sleepless captains gather nervously. To groaning ships at port they tune their ears. They hear their foes, As an armada gathers at the piers. From ship to ship a monarch swiftly goes. Defending king, His enemies prepares he to oppose. Now midnight settles and each living thing In slumber rests. But wakeful sailors sleep this night won't bring. A few short hours left before the tests Of pirate skill: Five rounds of battle with unwelcome guests. And now the legions gather, dressed to kill. To lend their aid, From far have allies gathered with good will. The hour is at hand, the chest is paid. With offshore booms begin war and blockade.	Why do we waste our PoE and precious time on silly things? I think I've found a better use for that blockading board And now's my chance to share with the fine folks at Three Rings An island must be taken by a massive pirate horde But only one can govern it, the rest will never reign They must content themselves with games involving mug and sword There has to be a better prize to justify the pain Of logging on and sitting for three hours in one's chair To click and tap and tap and click and stupefy one's brain A chance for every play'r to win a prize would be more fair And every pirate loves the chance to pillage blood of black So let's create a kraken shooting board, and fight one there No limit on the ships involved, each crew would get a crack At blasting the leviathan and holding out a pail Then fleeing for their lives, lest they end up a kraken snack But as they fled, the other ships would follow on their trail To grapple them and fight with swords to steal the precious goo The winning side would keep the blood, the losers forced to bail Now picture, if you can, the kind of chaos 't'would ensue With scores of ships competing for that special ebon prize When told that after thirty mins, the contest would be through There'd be no boredom, that's for sure, and no more need for spies When every jobber has the chance to win much more than PoE The dream of all-black clothing putting twinkles in their eyes So listen to my plea, ye Devs, this is the way to go Replace blockades with blood brawls, we'll be hap'ier than ye'll know
Match 199	Crystal	Thusnelda
	A Brief History Of Jorvik Blockades Contenders Looterati but defenders there were none Seven hours of floating on a board of mottled blue And that was Jorvik One A month of busy building as the isle's construction grew Greenwolf and his flag Tyr's Own then dropped a chest, you see And that was Jorvik Two An eight week pause before we saw a massed fleet on the sea Another fearsome battle as Tyr's Own attacked once more And that was Jorvik Three A blockade weekend like this one had ne'er been seen before Four blockades were fought at once, a strong and glorious drive And that was Jorvik Four Syndicate took their revenge, en masse they did arrive The blockade fought on sea and forum, full of politics And that was Jorvik Five Looterati came back strong employing their best tricks Made the island theirs again, their own dear Ruby heaven And that was Jorvik Six Jorvik got Fandangoed and the battle bravely striven Notorious ones were beaten off, defeat in three rounds straight And that was Jorvik Seven The next was strange to witness and still stranger to relate The flags agreed to stop and this was done by means divine And that was Jorvik Eight To tell the detailed story of this match I must decline But M A D were victors, Looterati lost again And that was Jorvik Nine When Shattered Faith blockaded, Looterati talked and then Decided not to bother, held a party unsurpassed And that was Jorvik Ten Now Hades holds the island, so could Ten have been the last? So long, and thanks for all the ten blockades; it's been a blast.	Oh, politics. Pah! What's the deal? There?'s nothing there for me to like Just lost ambivalence to feel And useful? Like a fish with bike. Blockades, for instance. What if I Decide to tell you, "Take a hike-- I'd rather take a nap!" I cry. "Avast! Your orders: bilge and sail!" "But?... but..." I stammer, standing by I do not want my flag to fail... And yet the forces have aligned To make me wish to rant and rail. My ally's sister's flag's entwined With flags both good and bad, I know But fighting them? I'm in a bind. And yet, there's nowhere else to go. My manners seek not to offend, Define a hearty? Donate poe? It boils on down to friend v. friend With choices like these every day I can't just sit back and pretend. So war is bad, capisce? Mmkay? I'll not be predator, nor prey.
Match 200	Gotagota	Talisker
	Papaya II that's one better! Planned did they for the next day A sneak attack; a slick surprise The tyrants in their beds did lay And under crimson midnight skies Their rudders routed, kept aside The forces spent: it all was lies! But hark, an upstart bonafide Dropped his chest a day too soon The ocean gasped. Their eyes grew wide. A friend had granted him a boon A mighty ship. A mighty crew A naughty raid they'd see too soon The upstart bid his foes eschew A twice-fought battle they'd regret But the fight they would renew The time had come. Their watches set. The mighty ship went down aflame The upstart, with his face still wet Said, "Still, it turned out quite the same If we had thought 'twas just a game."	Papaya One In the water they all floated Off the shore of Papaya Isle. Each fine ship, its cannons loaded Made a boast in piratey style. Fast upon them came the blockade. Each cannon shot yielding a smile. At ev'ry hit, some smiles did fade, Bones would break as hulls would shatter. Each pirate feared the fusillade. Ashes and hopes, fire did scatter. Ships were on fire and decks alight. Each sail burning fell in tatters Like auroras they lit the night Pirates jumped ship, their souls to save. Each pirate left had stayed to fight. Fewer remained above the wave, And fewer still ships to contend. Each side mourned at watery grave. As the blockade drew to an end, Dreams of owning all lay broken. Each hope fluttered off on the wind. After all was done and spoken No side held this Diamond token.

Lower Bracket

Match 201	Graceisme	Ottoia
	Blockade! Me ships be stocked with rum and cannonballs. Ye still might have time to flee Before your governor's flag tears and falls. Yer island home in gravest danger be. A blockade has been declared! Soon ye'll be circled by the enemy. Nothing ye do will help ye be prepared For the onslaught of brigands. If ye aren't, ye ought to be fair scared! Soon yer island will rest in stronger hands. Me hearties are all well paid; They're ready to sail and pillage yer lands! Even if ev'ry flag sails to yer aid, No one can stop the blockade!
Match 202	Fiddler	Bladen
		The Tides of War The tides of war, they rise and fall A driving force, sweeping up hearts Who of us can resist the call? The call to arms - that's where it starts Supposed insults thrown about And on the docks, the endless tarts A challenge brings a hearty shout: "My flag is mightier than yours, let's raise the stakes, and have it out!" "We'll take your home, blockade your shores," Is sometimes spat out in reply, "Until you're begging on all fours." Of course, some plans may go awry Though each flag sails a mighty fleet Still, one must lose and say goodbye Shall you find vict'ry, or defeat? The grander picture doesn't care For all these conflicts just repeat No matter how a flag will fare Another picks up the reprise And starts again, the whole affair And so it goes, as I surmise, The tides of war still fall and rise.
Match 203	Devilsword	Magentix
	Brigs drift through the fog on a moonless night ?Battle stations!? The order is called All cannons are loaded prepare for the fight The roar of the flags jobbers is being stalled Greenies grab on, there hearts a fire At the end of the night they will lose the island they mauled Now, the call is to continue to hire ?I value every soul today? ?everyone is special no mater your rank nor your attire!? The captain shouts, 'let start the fray!' The shore is lit up with a blast 'Reload the cannons! Attack they may!' The mayor scrambles his half dressed navy fast The captain shouts 'what a simple thrill' The blockade begins the humor is in the past After the scrambling drunks cry over the blown still The defenders start to crumble with every ball With every sent to the oceans floor so goes there will The clouds clear, it?s now down to the ringers call. And with every second the tension strains Finial the announcement 'The Island did fall!' The defenders complain this is insane Because tonight while the sleep there defenders rum will be drained!
Match 204	Toesy	Pirate_copa
	The First Sinking of the War "No quarter, mates," the bosun's cry "Our king has put the flag to war So unfurl the main; let cannon fly." "No quarter," echoes aft and fore As mates, their tremulous spirits hide With calls and shouts and curses raw. "We'll come about. Port broadside!" The captain's orders steady, clear. Hot metal reaches out o'er the tide. "No quarter, aye!" but now there's fear Creeping through the bosun's voice. Broadside again - we raise a feeble cheer. But our spirit's gone. Their is no choice, We must reload, fire again, Come about once more with sails hoist. Their ship it groans as though in pain. Young Jim, aghast: "Why don't they run?" "They're undermanned mate," I explain. "No quarter," whispers our troubled bosun. Another volley; their mainmast shatters, Their vessel tilts - we know it's done. The sea their broken war brig batters. Their sails, our nerves, their lives in tatters.
Match 205	Darkaardvark	Popeye09
	Of Kings and Cannons Two lines of ships stare down across the sea While kings strategize in their great halls Fighting for land and the right to be free Now war is declared, in king?s dirty scrawls And the ships begin to fight From the kingdom, enlistment?s trumpet calls Is it is providence, or divine right? Now loudly cannons ring Or is it fought for some minor slight? Soon smoke encircles everything While royals look away Though their subjects blame the king This fight, in some forgotten cay Though it has killed near all Has yet no end, as some do say For away one bleeding pirate crawls While kings strategize in their great halls	The Ballet-Dancing Pirate A ballet star, I danced with ease and grace, In Portsmouth, where the Royal Navy docks. When younger, there weren't many knew my face. But now I do not float around in frocks; A crossboned hat adorns my bountied head And common folk avoid me like the pox. One night I'd visited a sailor's bed, Asail by morn, he'd scarpered - dirty rat! The crew, alas, were left with me instead. Our captain had a fondness for the cat; One day he lashed me too, the men all rose, He lost his head, we cheered, and that was that! All outlaws now, th'Americas we chose; We charted course toward the setting sun, 'Til there Jamaica lay beneath our nose. We neared with tightened sail and readied gun. "Oh no!" the helmsman cried: "I'm shot." He died. I grabbed the wheel, my feet began to run. The ship it moved allegro, full of pride; It skipped and stepped in chainés through the wet, Now de côté, unthundered a broadside. The foe supporting me, my stage was set. Danced pas de deux with ship 'pon ship: they sank; We pranced round rocks, a seaborne pirouette! The clearing smoke showed scarce a floating plank, The men all roared their praise and kissed my feet And all night long we sang, we laughed, we drank. But morn's horizon traced a navy fleet: We fought, but their advances could not spurn. They sailed us home, a solemn judge to meet. We are to dance our last here at Tyburn, A curtain call and now it is my turn...
Match 206	Edwardteach6	Tamsin
	There are things of which I really dont care: Politics, blockades and war. Strugling with this brings me dispair. I'm writing but I know not what for These words will surely lose But if unnoposed victory is sure. All weekend long I stay full of booze Forgetting the things I must do Yo ho, mame kill, its war that we choose Exploding cannons pointed at me "Hit the decks", the cry from above Softly as my life began began to flee I heard something about love Or was it kind of...	From the stern leaps a gold-tongued messenger, "To arms!", the whistle calls The ocean froths, for battle will occur. Still, some just can't wait 'til the next day's brawls, And feel obliged to say- They surely have the largest cannonballs. Perhaps it's just the character they play, Stoking flames as the thread Turns to an all-you-can eat tart buffet Misinterpreting what they've barely read, Jabbing at jibs and views- Soon they'll wish they could take back what they said! For the Ringers are a powerful crew, But just can't stomach pie. So it's the locker for yer tongue and you. So think afore ye type or press reply- It's all fun and games 'til ye lose yer 'Aye'.
Match 207	Kmf	Shantybones
	Relations once friendly turn cold and sour Diplomats try their very best To turn the chill tide at this solemn hour Angry mutterings of bold war arrest An entire flag's attention All ears wait for the dropping of a chest The whistle sounds the foes declaration Missives are sent out seeking aid Gold is gathered in anticipation Of poe payments should they need to be made To jobbers pulled in off the dock An expensive venture is a blockade Ships need to be checked, is there enough stock? A folly to run out of rum Or to find the ship is bound by a lock Battle starts and many pirates do come Eager for riches and for fame Or the chance of an injury draws some For some the fierce battle is just a game For others its defence of kin Wanting to keep everything just the same Three rounds are won; the blockade is fin Ships are ported, payments are done The defenders celebrate their fine win The battle ended? No, its just begun Pirates tarting make the win much less fun.	The Tarting Ladies of Parley This little verse will introduce The Tarting Ladies of Parley Who make that forum tough to use. Over-aggressive Olive, you see, Likes to threaten and fight and blast. She thinks we need more PVP. But Wilting Wendy, by contrast, Whimpers and trips them out with guilt. She seems to always come in last. Ancient Agnes works on her quilt. "Old ways are best!" She liked Azure Before the new oceans were built. Know-it-all Nancy is quite sure (though she confuses fact and myth) And replies over and over. Egomaniacal Edith Proclaims herself the ocean's best. She's quite difficult to be with. Paranoid Patty cannot rest: Things are fixed and stacked against her. Blockades, tourneys, or this contest. 'Til forum manners get better I'll just go read Harry Potter.
Match 208	ruby_spoon	Dr4b
	Feud! Where's my bard? "So you came, my good wench; for a fight or a kiss?" "In a fight to the death you'd do well with the latter." "Very droll. But I wonder, how came we to this?" "I'm here for the fight, not for gossip and chatter." "It shouldn't take long - just to know where we stand." "Well... in truth it goes back to that 'Indigo' matter." "The price? When one-up-manship got out of hand?" "You remember. Your merchants were clearly insane." "Not at all; it was one of your crew that got banned." "Thanks to your slanderous lying campaign." "Your reaction, I must say, was markédly telling." "Did your traders find learning to battle a pain?" "They're not pirates! Just businessmen, buying and selling." "They're averse to attacks? Then they're in the wrong trade." "So I answered with war, since my crews were rebelling." "And mine wanted revenge for their fallen comrade." "We've been fighting for months now, on land and on sea." "Enough talk. Now you pay for the errors you've made." So they fought, and one triumphed; their flag cheered with glee - until the defeated asked, "Best out of three?"	The Reconquest of Weekends When I was just a pirate green, My captain said to me: "Go sail into that blockade screen, Amazing it shall surely be!" Indeed, the battle raged Until my eyes could hardly see. Each round, another act was staged, The cannonballs did fly For one whole day while war was waged. And when at last the end was nigh Defeated pirates slept Where dreams of island conquest die. As those remaining stood and wept For frigates sunk and lost Into departing ships they crept, The Midnight seas they humbly crossed Thus glory had to wait; For what did all those folks exhaust? They rose up early, stayed up late Their dinners gone without. And victors didn't celebrate-- They'd gone to bed as well, no doubt! Blockades disrupted lives; 'Twas something we must think about. A new equation was derived For shortening the fight; Reduce the round count down to five, Thus blockades aren't an awful sight Nor burnout like before Since people now can sleep at night. So if you find five rounds to be a chore, Be grateful you're not there for twenty-four!
Match 209	Gloraelin	Achromatize
	'Poly tricks' spill out of Parley drawing down onto it Forum tarts that respond with glee. Looseweed gave BSB a hit, taking the sacred fruit Holding it in his rasta mitt. Rummykins made the whole point moot, when he showed the fruit glows Giving little Bronwynne a hoot. Each side lined vessels up in rows quite excited to sink Some fully eager, I suppose. The war ended with a broad wink between the ruling men, finished up with a forum link. They signed a peace with a post as a pen Although... it could happen again, out of current ken!
Match 210	Kretak	TheRack
Match 211	Wmcduff	Flicangel
	Terra III Dragon's Fury is weak, calls ally Hurricane An island transferral, simple trade, Ally gain. The transfer, however, is too much, can't be paid Without certainty there is some doubt: A blockade. Must clamp down on gossip, keep a closed rumour spout, It's whispered to closest relation. Now it's out. The people soon notice the ships on migration Ev'ry ship getting close, moving there To station. The war chest is dropped and all now are aware Of the place, but can they make the climb? Do they dare? Battle navvers in place range from good to sublime The last ships, moving quick, northward trek, Nearly time. The flaggies all called out, "Get up, Mates, on deck." No time left but once more. Twentieth Harbour check. "No ships here but ours?" Exhalation of breath. Merely games to be played in the sun, Not for death. Only brigand defenders met Hurricane gun. Terra transferred with war in false style, Just for fun. The island blockaded, but neither hostile, And all for the switch of the fine Terra Isle.
Match 212	Bye	Tgreyfox
Match 213	Shazwilky	Bluetta
	The blockade for Xi is occuring tonight. And with the amount of poe and pirates, This should truly be an amazing sight. The defenders, of course, are Crimson Tide. The attackers are Notorious Fandango. Now all jobbing pirates must pick a side. For flaggies and allies the decision is easy. They'll job for their mates, no matter what. For others the choice could well make them queasy. CT and their raffle with great prizes galore. The poe from Fandango is just huge. Many pirates will find the choice a real chore. And whoever wins, the blockade will be fun. Even more if a sinker it turns out to be. As we battle it out in the soft, setting sun. Arrrrrr! Yes indeed, happy pirates are we. I'll see you all there on that deep, dark blue sea.	"The day has come when we must claim our right, We'll drop a chest and th'island will be ours. We sail tomorrow with the cov'r of night!" "But Captain!" cried the first mate, Tom McBaurs "We Don't yet have the right amount of Fame!" "We'll have to sail and pillage for ten hours!" "For that," said captain, "We've RD to blame. "But still we must get to it, and now quick! so we can take the island as our claim" The first mate coughed and looking slightly sick He mumbled soft, "We still may have a kink" "A war with ally's allies? We must pick!" "It seems betweens us, there's an allied link Out friends are friends with th' island's current guv We'll have to drop them to avoid the stink." "Alright," he growled and gave McBaur's a shove He glowered 'round and snarled as he said, "There anymore concerns we should speak of?" "Just one," Tom cowered, his eyes all full of dread. "An oversight, it seems, a small detail. Tomorrow's Monday, no blockade's ahead." And as the light of day began to pale, All heard the Captain, "Scupper it! Let's sail!"
Match 214	Lulunz	Lizperk23
	Pirate Courting Green islands, perfect, fringed with golden sands Sit still, unmoved beneath an endless sun; Amid their sapphire seas these nightless lands Are innocent of violence every one. And yet what jealousy each isle inspires, How many wars have these sweet shores begun? Each flag to win more island hearts aspires; Results depend on finely honed romance - An invitation is what form requires: Say, wont you come and meet me in a dance Of squares? No jig, instead the sea quadrille: A cannon clap, a pause, then both advance. Now demonstrate to all your grace and skill, Anticipate each step and match it well, For if ye trip there's more than blood to spill. Through tears, of how her love was lost ye'll tell, Your moves outclassed upon that wat'ry floor. But warn your rival, though your banner fell, That fickle island heart he can't secure: Beware, for all is fair in love and war.	The War Begins The parley talks have sputtered on for weeks As minions from both ship and isle have tried To fix the treaty, making minor tweaks But each and ev'ry version's cast aside. The Pirate King? He simply wants free trade, No taxes on his rum, and all his pride; The Island Queen continues, still unswayed, Refusing now to lower any taxes-- She fears no Pirate's venomous blockade. The moon now wanes, and now again it waxes; Another treaty lies upon the floor. The monarchs meet. He's wary but relaxes As soon as she sweeps through the palace door. He offers her a hand and makes amends; She stares him down, and gives Intent to War. Resolved at last, his fleet he now attends, Restocking cannonballs and lots of rum. The Queen her town and island now defends, Beseeching help from flag and crew and chum. The Pirate's plans beginning to unfold: The Island's ruler now he might become. He hires fighters now who hope for gold Since buying ships and clothing isn't cheap; They'll surely tell this story till they're old. How well he knows the treasures of this keep! How well he knows these treasures might expire Amid the outcome of destruction's reap, And so we see the Pirate King perspire Before his voice commands his men: "Now, Fire!"
Match 215	Indeed	Yousuckrhino
	Afford ye some barrels of rum an' cannonshot up te yer eyes - thar be a great battle to come. fer a king w' his eye on te prize o' an isle to call 'is 'ome 'is crew to the 'ccasion'll rise out thar an te bloody sea-foam we're pluggin' their vessels w' shot 'tis close to te flags whar we roam. some pluck an' good aim's wot we got we'll hold that thar isle w' pride - al'tho in the bag, she is not - From out en'my we willn't hide 'til our last bleedin' pirate is died.
Match 216	B_licker	CKShinrai
	"Enough!" said the king. "They've gone too far!" "They think us weak, but we're not afraid!" "Come men, we'll show them, it's time for war!" "That island of theirs, we shall invade," "Our forces are strong, our skill is first-rate" "Tomorrow at noon is when we blockade!" The ship was filled with many fine mates. How could such a crew possibly fail? The captain prepared to navigate. They entered the board, their hearts did not quail. Soon they espied a frig on the run. "Let's catch them mates, fill up the sails!" They closed on their prey, but hit only once. The other captain was really quite sharp. "We can sink them mates, reload the guns!" Other frigs appeared, it was a trap! Three ships attacked the hapless frigate. "We must repair, all hands grab a carp!" The holes were large and leaked like a faucet. "We must save the ship!", the captain did think. "Forget the hammers, everyone grab a bucket!" But it was too late, the crew jumped in the drink. The captain read from the holy book and stood on the deck while the ship did sink. So ended the battle, all died but the cook. He lost his right hand, he now wears a hook!