A silent being filled with hate

Crossed oceans in a bitter state.

Spied a scourge in Everglades port,

Contrived a plan—the wicked sort.

The only way to find relief?

Destroy the vicious, heartless thief.

Justice was served at dinnertime,

With no one near to see the crime.

The dour man lurched, his fate was sealed,

Disposed at sea—his death concealed.

Though retribution was a need,

It came by way of evil deed.

The absent beast was soon dismissed,

Except by the recidivist.

Questions were asked, no clues were chased,

His bags were gone—his name erased.

The nefarious soul remained consumed,

The ship sailed on, routine resumed.

Revenge the price for freedom bought,

Arrived in time to stir the plot.

Two doors slammed shut, a blade dropped fast,

Shipmates stood by—their mouths aghast.

A headless corpse bled on the floor,

While villains planned to kill once more.

The ship’s crew masked their growing fears,

As mounting deaths slowed moving gears.

From steel-lined lift to ocean deep,

Lives were lost—yet few would weep.

For who could love a blackguard’s heart,

Except a heinous counterpart.

The sullen riders sought to blame,

All trapped inside a villain’s game.

Was there a demon on this craft?

Starboard, port, bow—or on the aft?

The ship of fools sailed aimlessly,

While hooded death steered ‘cross the sea.

—Kaylin McFarren