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Margarita LVII
Contributed by
ramfire
on
Friday, 22nd August 2003 @ 05:05:00 PM in AEST
Topic:
StoryPoetry
|
The whaling business makes men bold indeed.
In boats that seem too little they hunt whales.
Against their prize are they not hardy breed,
for they do seek the dangers told in tales.
Dona Rose Marie asked a question of the handsome captain. "Do men really
chase after such large creatures in rowboats, Captain Thompson?" "Yes,
Senora Hernandez, they do. When the whale's harpooned and the boat's
being pulled through the water by a harpoon rope, it's called going on a
Nantucket sleigh-ride. It can be very exciting, always dangerous." "Such
brave men. Seems like an easy way to get hurt." "Whales can stove a boat
with one smack of its fluke. Many brave young men have gone to
Davy Jones's locker that way." " A quaint expression, captain. What does it mean?"
" Bottom of the ocean, Senora Hernandez. When a man is lost or buried at
sea, he's called gone to be with Davy Jones, a humorous name among seamen."
Don Huerra spoke. "Surely it takes more than one harpoon to kill so large
an animal. I think several would be necessary. Hitting a vital spot seems a matter
of chance, not to be compared with Tauramaquia. Faena requires matador to
go over the horns with sword to make the kill. Much bravery and technique
are required. One trust of estoque and the bull is dead, only one captain, not
several." Huerra's surprising haughtiness was slightly offensive. Captain Thompson
replied for all the whalers plying the seas. "Whales don't face a series of
adversaries, Don Huerra, each weakening its strength. I've seen picadors with
lances torment bulls, cutting the back muscles to ribbons; when picadors are
done, banderilleros come upon the bull with barbed sticks, placing them in
the bull's shoulders - all done to lower the bull's head. Yes, Don Huerra, the
matador dispatches the bull with one thrust - after preparation. Seems to me
whales have more of a chance for life. Bulls are restricted to an arena unable
to escape. Whales, if they break free, have liberty." "Bullfighting is a
spectator sport. It's art that must be shared." "Whaling is an industry providing
useful products, not usually done for amusement." Captain's riposte scored
well. Margarita's dark eyes flashed excitement; red lips parted in smile; beautiful
white teeth glistened the warm saffron light. She toyed with the goblet in her hand,
heart racing; disagreement was exhilarating. Huerra felt the effect of that smile to
the bottom of his heart. He didn't like this captain.
Copyright ©
ramfire
... [
2003-08-22 17:05:00]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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