Mackerel Signs

Mackerel clouds and mares’ tails A-sailing, a-trailing, Make lofty ships carry low sails A-sailing, a-trailing away.

When the mack’rel are in the sky, A-sailing, a-trailing; Soon the wind will be blowing high: A-sailing and trailing away.

When the mack’rel shine in the moon, A-sailing, a-trailing; Then the wind will begin to tune: A-sailing, a-trailing away.

Of all the wind upon the seas, A-sailing, a-trailing; The best is an evening mackerel breeze: A-sailing and trailing away.

“A mackerel is a sailor-dish,” Said Jones, “for ’tis a sailor fish, All drest, like us, in white and blue, Which I do call the prettiest hue Which the great heaven has to show Of all the colours in the bow: So, if you please, I’ll sing to you A little song about the Blue!”