when a young man could be granted
the kings commision
and sail a ship
to nowhere,
just to see what might happen.
Set off for the farthest part of the map
and simply sail off the edge.
And maybe one day,
after a few harrowing adventures
and several close calls
with rough seas and pirates
and possibly a sea monster or two,
he would make it home,
to those who waited patiently.
