Wind At My Back Tonight - edit3

[dukealien]

edit2;


We used to laugh at soldiers who could march
in step but barely sail and wouldn’t learn–
a soldier’s breeze, we called it, they might cope
so long as it blew strong from dead astern.

It’s foul winds I have faced my entire life
and tacked a weary course to claw ahead–
nor dare I claim I never steered right close
to doing wrong in port or lady’s bed.

I’ve never been a sneak thief– met a few,
and with my shipmates beat ‘em as their due;
I fought for what we thought was right and fit
but gave ‘em quarter if they asked for it.

So with my voyage done I don’t fear death
this midnight, or my raspy final breath:
I’ll set my stuns’ls, white as angel wings
to catch a soldier’s breeze... heading home.

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Thanks again - tried to address each of the critiques and used at least one suggestion directly.  Hope the ambiguities are now laid to rest