hanno the navigator

it's a good day

for going to sea

hanno the navigator said to me. there's an open sky and a steady breeze

out beyond the pillars of hercules. above the foam-kissed waves seagulls scream

up in the masts of our trireme

and it's a good day

for going to sea

hanno the navigator said to me. water

water

from horizon to horizon

all i see is water

steer beyond all maps and charts

down along the coast of africa. the first phoenicians on this beach

where the monkeys gibber and the parakeets screech. strangest women run wild down there

covered head to toe in fur and hair. they fight like demons

better let them be

hanno the navigator said to me. water

water

from horizon to horizon

all i see is water

when you pull close to your fire at night

with your family framed in the candlelight

safe inside these walls of stone

in the only village you've ever known. the rain-soaked moon plays splintered crystal

shadows on your windowsill. like sparks of light in the shifting skies

our ancient ships go sailing still on

water

water

when my sailing days are done

i'll seek poseidon's daughter. oarsmen pull and curse and sweat

underneath this creaking deck. at night i hear their stories told

strong through storms and weak for gold. carthage stands like an azure pearl

here in the middle of the known world. and it's a good day

for going to sea

hanno the navigator said to me. water

water

from horizon to horizon

all i see is water. water

water

when my sailing days are done

i'll seek poseidon's daughter. it's a good day

for going to sea

hanno the navigator said to me.