AB Matrai,  Seafarer to Remember this month of December. 

(First part of an intended series of rhymes, rhythms, reasons, revelations and reflections dedicated to seafarers, seafaring, and servants serving seafarers.  By Rev James Kollin, Port Chaplain, Seamen’s Church Institute. Location: Port Newark, New Jersey. First Post: September 25, 2011)

SEAFARER TO REMEMBER

You wave your hands so eagerly to me,
As I parked the van and climbed the gangway.

You signed me in and walked me to the best place you wanted me to be,
I felt so welcomed with your warm hospitality.

I ask you your name to start a good game,
You ask me for telephone to call your loved ones at home.

Homesick I know is always in you,
Chaplaincy  you know,  is there to inspire you.

You share me your story about your wonderful family,
I share you mine too and there goes familiarity.

You bring what I need from to shore to shore,
I buy what you bring from store to store.

You made my life easier for the goodies you deliver,
I should serve you better and pray for you deeper.

You complained of injustice in either way,
I offer you options, you decide anyway.

Your convenience is my inconvenience, O, what a cross-experience 
For your your time is more the time and less or none of mine.

You deserve to be served for a service well-rendered,
And I came to serve, not to be served.

Legal problems you cite or just might happen onsite,
I bring lawyers  so bright to help you fight for your right.

Winter is sure at sea and ashore,
Christmas -at-sea will warm you even more.

Piracy you say makes your journey so scary,
Post-Piracy Care helps you ease from that scare.

You come to the seafarers’ center for an exciting encounter,
Services we offer, one of which is money transfer.

People of the land, appreciate your hardworking hand,
People of the sea appreciate my services for free.