Sailing Duel

He proffers the cold blue blade
long sting of sharp steel
crescent hilt of some jeweler's conceit
balanced bullion of certainty
and deep suffering

at whose feet it points slumbering
a choice is made
save face and cumulous command
dance for your honor of course
to hell with the ridiculous
low braggart living

arresting captain of impressive
nobility striking repose
glittering in gallantry and
insufferable lineage
advance drawn to meet the other's point

reputation of the Jovian empirical
sailing elite must be accounted for
only blood is sufficient for payment,
yet no one profits.

TA