A poem I've written, reflecting my personal life in metaphorical prose.
I've fought and survived many battles, but never fired a shot
I have many scars, but never been pierced by blade or bullet
I've been falsely accused, tried and convicted, branded and sentenced to hang, yet I still live
My scars, you cannot see. My brand has made no mark upon my body
I've survived a shipwreck, I've passed through a hurricane, and the sea has threatened to drag me to its watery depths time and again
To look at me, one wouldn't believe that I've ever walked through the darkest pits of Hell itself, coming out the other side without a scratch upon my skin
But make no mistake... I have seen things that would send normal men fleeing for their lives, frightened to the point of madness
Yet I am not a normal man...
Let the battles rage...
Let the storms come...
I am the captain of this ship, and I'll sail her through the blackest night and the strongest winds, until my flag is torn from the mast and swallowed by the unforgiving sea
Photo of Toby Stephens
Art from Black Sails season 1