The Conversion of the Preacher

The night was dark, the sky was cast,
Now and then came a lightning blast,
The clouds flashed pink, and the ocean's drink,
Passed through many colors very fast.

The boat was quaky, my knees were shaky,
My eyes were red,
So far and far from bed,
And my fingernails were chipped and flaky.

The boat pulled to this way or that,
And underneath, the sea's swells came fat,
And the foam was salty, in my eyes,
And the very depths of the abyss seemed to rise,
And now and then would heave and knock me flat.

There was no other soul in sight,
As I fought on that unforgettable night,
Praying to heaven, praying to my God,
To leave me alive tomorrow to catch my cod,
And let providence lead me back to the shore's light.

I was foolish, I admitted in my prayers to Him,
And humility filled up my heart to the brim,
And I prayed for safety, or if not,
My family's welfare was the only other thought,
And while I prayed, the light seemed to dim.

I heard a voice, did really a voice I hear?
It must have been an illusion, but oh so clear,
I could hear a voice so heavenly and strong,
That prayed with me and carried along,
My words to those far off heavenly ears.

And as the prayer of two went on,
I could feel that the dread was gone,
The hope was clear,
Salvation seemed near,
And in two my fear was sawn.

The storm in due course, it died,
And then tears of joy I cried,
For like the very few, the some,
From atheist to believer I'd become,
And forever to spread the word I tried.