Many of you, I’m guessing, are familiar with the novel Treasure Island – the classic adventure of young Jim Hawkins who finds a map to a pirate’s buried treasure and embarks on a perilous voyage with a colorful crew including the infamous Long John Silver.
You may also be familiar with another work, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – the story of a respected London doctor who discovers a powerful potion that enables him to separate his good and evil natures. Good ultimately triumphs over evil – but not without some dastardly doings along the way.
Both of these classic works are by the same author, the Scottish novelist, poet, essayist and travel writer, Robert Louis Stevenson.
An only child, Robert was burdened with a lifetime of chronic illness – primarily respiratory in nature – and only lived to experience his 44th birthday.
He is also the author of one of my favorite Holiday Poems. It is titled, Christmas at Sea.
The poem describes how a square-rigged sailing ship has become caught between two headlands. The ship unable to make her escape because of the winds, tide and current. You sailors out there will relate to this situation when forces of nature prevent a sailboat from making progress to her desired destination.
Enjoy.
