The Captain's Chest

When the ocean grows rough,
and waves toss the ship,
a naval man may
lose his balance and slip,
so here is a
cabinet-maker's old tip -

sunken handles:
one of those crafty ruses
a carpenter building
a chest of drawers uses;
when the chest's for a sailor
this can avoid bruises.

poem © Celia Warren 2012

This chest belonged to my great-great-grandfather who was a naval officer in the 19th century. My art materials now occupy the third drawer, which is home to my mannequin.