Original Nautical Poetry: The Least of These

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Mathew 25:40

This is a poem that I wrote with inspiration from Psalms 107: 23 - 31.

I also composed the background music and perform it on a Martin 000C Nylon Stringed Guitar.

Psalms 107: 23 - 31
23  They that go down to the sea in ships,
that do business in great waters;
24  These see the works of the Lord,
 and his wonders in the deep.
25  For he commandeth, 
and raiseth the stormy wind,
which lifteth up the waves thereof.  
26  They mount up to the heaven,
they go down again to the depths:
their soul is melted because of trouble.
27  They reel to and fro, 
and stagger like a drunken man,
and are at their wits' end.
28  Then they cry unto the Lord
in their trouble,
and he bringeth them 
out of their distress.
29  He maketh the storm a calm,
so that the waves thereof are still.
30  Then are they glad
because they be quiet;
so he bringeth them unto
their desired haven.
31  Oh that men would praise  
the Lord for his goodness,
and for his wonderful works
to the children of men.


The Least Of These
By Captain J. Brad Chapman

A ship arrived in port one day, through heavy seas, and gale. 

some say the safe return was due, to skills at helm and sail. 

They say the captain, brave and true, steered through the mountainous waves,

and kept them all from drowning deaths, and lonesome, watery graves. 

Three cheers they called, lets lift him high, and carry ‘im down the plank, 

and show him heart-felt gratitude, in honor of his rank. 

But the Captain waved their praises off, with head bowed to the ground, 

he asked if they would lend an ear, curious they gathered round. 

You see, my crew, it is quite true, I skipper you good men, 

but I do not control the waves, nor direct the savage wind. 

It’s He, the master mariner, who kept us from the grave, 

and held us in his hallowed hand, it’s He, ‘’mighty to save.’’     Alma 34:18 

And as your Captain, whom you hold, in highest of esteem, 

I must confess, amid redress, I’m not quite what I seem. 

You see, I am ashamed to say, for some time I’ve been lost, 

and drifted on the sea of life, alone, and tempest-tossed. 

But after all sad wanderings, I’m fi-nal-ly at ease,

because a mate showed me the way, I was His  “least of these.”    Mathew 25:40 

He cradled me in kindness and, shared with me His love, 

He guided me, o’er treacherous sea, and blessed me from above.  

And now my eyes are opened wide, and yes I see His light. 

No more to be a blinded guide, I look towards heavens height.     Mathew 15:14 

It wasn’t me who brought us through, but our Almighty Lord! 

So honor Him who lends us breath, it’s Him to look toward.       Mosiah 2:21 

.  .  .  .  .  .

So trust in Him, out on the deep, as you sail the briny breeze  .  .  .  .

and praise Him who’s “mighty to save” .  .  .  .  . and serve His  “least of these.” 

March 25, 2012  -  By J. Brad Chapman