Jesuits Venturing

The storm had challenged
The ship’s planking, canvas, cross arms.
Helps or rope restraints
Had been employed
Almost too late.
Francis had nearly
Lost his chest of letters, Loyola’s work.
Sepia pictures of sister Annette
Their mastiff Prince
And five special friends
Training, exchanging
At the Abbey.
They often gave their
Best in the Silence.
Or passing the bread
And cheeses.


This China Bay was the
Strangest colour of pale blue.
The working ship
Coolies all consigned
To deathly black.
His robe was a purple.
Scarf was white with
Blood red edges.
Cap three-cornered.
Friend Aloysius was constantly
Into his dictionary for Mandarin.


Seemed as if ship’s parrots (3)
Had richer, more usable vocabulary.
“Eight o’clock Boys
Have you washed, prayed, dressed.
AWWKKK.”


Captain would show ship’s charts.
Both monks tried their best
To catch on, study routes.
Assess depths and trenches.
There was also that navigating
Hand tool. Astrolabe.
Made reference to stars.
Just as Wise Men knew courses
In Luke chapter two.


Would the Christ arrive in these parts
Gentle down the yellow skins.
Fast footed, short stepped souls.
Nix their superstitions
By the sheer force of Love.
Communion, Last Rights?
Rosary rounds.
Patient listening,
Noble burden bearing?
Lord willing.
Always Lord willing.