Learningon

  I thought I would put up some writing form my writing class, so here it is! I have been doing a lot of writing, not really any poems like I like to do. Anyway, I probably put some more up in a couple of days.                                                                   

                                                                                                          Strength for the Long Hard Journey

   In 1620, the pilgrims sailed to America on an undersized boat. On the Mayflower, space was very sparse.  During the voyage, the Mayflower sailed into a perilous storm.  The wind, which was icy, threw sharp spray from the water on the sailors as the storm picked up. The rain cascaded down upon the ship soaking it again and again. The people stayed below the decks, but to no avail, they still could feel the wetness when they laid down on their beds. The air dripped with the aroma of fish and greasy hair. Sadly, many of the travelers attained sickness, and the sound of wheezing people filled the boat. Seawater flowed through cracks turning all the food into mush. The wood smelled of mildew. Cold and wetness surrounded everybody. Toddlers cried constantly and clung to their mothers. There were no games between the children as they all stood dazed in silent in horror. The men prayed reverently to God asking for deliverance from the tremendous storm. Everybody beheld it in each other’s eyes; the heart wondering, wishing, and hoping.

    Below the deck, Goodman John Howland was immensely tired of being cramped up with crying babies, smelly people, and everything else that that could be found below the gun deck. He decided to climb up to the deck despite many respectable opinions against his frivolous decision. He strolled over to the rails and took in a big breath of fresh air. Suddenly, the ship rocked and rolled, violently pitching John overboard. John grasped a rope, which a lazy sailor didn’t take time to put away. Beside the ship, he swung helplessly. John Howland was completely terrified. He yelped for help, but nobody came .The water lapped at his dangling feet. His sweaty hands were slowing slipping down the rope. Thoughts of his family passed through his mind. He prayed to God.           

    Finally, when the Captain of the ship told a man to put the rope away, John was spotted.  The strong sailors quickly heaved him up with a boat hook. He was safe! Aboard the ship again, John Howland collapsed in a heap breathing hard but still thanking them all the time. All the pilgrims were appalled at his awful story. Goodman, who was exhausted, repented for not following the elder’s advice. None of his friends and family anger ascended upon him though; they were all very happy that he was still alive.  They all bowed their heads and thanked God for keeping John safe, and they asked for strength on their long hard journey to the New World.