
The sea pours endlessly, bean green over blue. Must go down to the sea again. Pieces of eight, pieces of eight, and a stately Spanish galleon to prize.
In truth, I don’t walk with a seaman’s roll, nor stump on a peg leg. My hair is mousy brown and my eyes a watery blue, but dear Jeanie finds me comely enough.
Dreams diverge ever from the map, and I rage against the dying of the light. Yet, when the lobster pots are mended, I can only trudge out once more on the Spanish main.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here

Dear Neil,
He has his dreams and Jeanie. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank so much, Rochelle
LikeLike
There are so many layers in these few words. Well done, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Violet
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with Rochelle; he has his dreams and Jeanie. Although the trudge with the lobster pots must seem endless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Clare
LikeLike
Good story… The pic made me think of what the beaches must have looked like after a hurricane storm surge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bear
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved “bean green over blue,” among other descriptive phrases in this little gem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That came from Sylvia Plath
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written, Neil. I imagine he often escapes to pirate adventures. I’m glad he has someone to love and who loves him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Dreams of wild pirate days, haunting his sleep and feeding his regrets of a different life. A metaphor for all our lives. He still has his lobster pots and Jeanie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Regrets? I’m not so sure, deep down
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love ‘bean green over blue’ so perfect a description. This piece has a nice tone to it. I could read more of this character’s day and enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Clare
LikeLike
Lovely use of language. Congratulations, buccaneer!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Denarii
LikeLike
This is a beautiful write, Neil. He seems to be rather content with his lot in life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dale. He thinks he’s not content, but really he is
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I’m thinking. He’ll realise it on his deathbed, maybe 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lobsters aside, what a lucky man to have somebody like jeane on his side.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is his real wealth
LikeLiked by 1 person
To toil on the ocean to support his love. An honest living. I sometimes wish for the ocean amidst the sea of concrete buildings and cubicles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a romance in it, yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful write, as always, Neil.
This fellow needs to hold fast to Jeanie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Nancy. He’s not sure of much, but of Jeanie he’s dead sure
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great little character portrait. I get a feel for his day-to-day life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jeanie finds him comely, what more could he wish for!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, says it all
LikeLike
Sweet story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dawn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the romance of life on the seas. I foresee a Viking funeral for you.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Patrick
LikeLike
Oh this is lovely. Keep dreaming. Tough life but it seems like he’s focused.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Laurie
LikeLiked by 1 person