southward at sunset

eight miles away the broad and open sea
beyond the earth's curve lies the spanish main
eyes cannot see it no matter how they strain
towards that south no birds appear to flee
there's not much difference except for degree
as much of sunshine but a different pain
the sunset on the water a huge bloodstain
so many came in chains so few arrived here free
down on the beaches there's a different life
the catch brought in and fried on friendly fires
beer and fried dumplings added to the feast
on land or water always a mode of strife
between tellers of true tales and plain liars
somewhere there roams a contemplative beast