Diane Hine - Lucretius Mud lyrics

Before the age of aeroplanes a first-cla** yacht was built. Rich tourists sailed to wild domains ensconced in plush and gilt. 'The Pearl's' twin anchors held her fast against the Amazon's tow. Her single stack and twin raked masts defied a swift cloud flow. The Captain owned this splendid yacht and dined with wealthy guests. Fine plates graced linen tablecloths and waiters wore white vests. The Captain's friend Lucretius Mud regaled the guests with tales. A crewman kept the watch above unnerved by jungle wails. The gentlemen and ladies spooned Chantilly cream meringues, but thinly clouded moon illumed an Indian pirate gang. Then bedlam overtook the boat. The pirates gained control. They pointed blades at soft white throats demanding cash and gold. They raided cabins for silverplate and found Lucretius splayed. He lay across three plywood crates and cried 'It's worthless clay'! 'I'm just an archaeologist, my treasure's broken pots'. The pirates laughed and bound his wrists. They hauled the crates up top. Their nailed lids were levered free but buried in the straw were broken pots and figurines; the pirates spat and swore. They lit the straw and spread a fire to stymie a pursuit, then left ‘The Pearl' a blazing pyre; the peril was acute. Fire sprinted to the bowsprit's tip up masts and angled stays. The Captain roared 'Abandon ship' and lifeboats lowered away. Lucretius braved the burning deck. The flames advanced in ranks and insects scurried up his legs from cracks in smoking planks. Below, his journals' white leaves bled as fire erased his work. Lucretius fled the burning deck and speared the Amazon's murk. Then Captain Bryce's able hands retrieved him from the surge. They watched ‘The Pearl' twirl orange fans and listened to her dirge. The fire explored the hold at last and tasted rich black coal. The water tanks were ripped by blasts as steam forced gaping holes. Lucretius watched his crates take flight. The Captain said 'My friend, I'm sorry that this dreadful night has brought a bitter end'. 'My boat's no loss for she's insured but your loss is immense. We'll bring the thieves before the law for they have no defence'. Lucretius answered 'Never mind, the tribesmen can't be blamed, for rubber barons rob them blind and so they play their game'. But then through tears he strangely laughed and said 'these Robin Hoods have taken back their forebears' crafts as any fair man would'. Then Bryce saw that Lucretius held a single glazed clay shard and that some hidden urge impelled his friend to throw it hard. They watched its freedom arching track against a red gold screen. It tumbled to the river black and journeyed on unseen.