Disorientation

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Poetic Form: Sonnet

Inspired: 2023 September 27

*1st Place*
Pick-A-Title, Vol 39
Contest Judged: 2023 October 15
Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh

Image: The General Slocum by Futility Closet

Themed distractions, affairs a boulevard, as elbowed are divided from their minds. Aloof, queues succeed a ship calling card, as untrained get on, moons all exit signs. The General Slocum, dressed to the nines --churchgoers being passengers adorned. Petite girls, bulky boots-dresses confines, a spark burning as the captain is warned. Crew-covered ears as the shrieking arose, clung rails ... faith enables those disabled, backing from charring ensue panic throes, river rips donning death ... apt tests fatal. Swimmers valueless o'er a thousand died. Lifeboats? Vest hopeless; the firm denied.

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Silent One

Date: 10/16/2023 12:38:00 PM

Awesome poem. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.

Hilo Poet
Date: 10/28/2023 3:42:00 AM

Aloha, and thank you, Silent One! Cheers to you as well, my friend! Mahalo, William

Anisha Dutta

Date: 10/15/2023 9:07:00 PM

BIG CONGRATS to win TOP. Excellent composition. So touchy. Every reader will be moved to feel the tragedy. Blessings.

Hilo Poet
Date: 10/15/2023 9:18:00 PM

Namaste, Anisha! You are a true inspiration, and your shared thoughts are appreciated, my friend. Blessings and Aloha, William

Edward Ibeh

Date: 10/15/2023 9:32:00 AM

William, this is an extraordinary Sonnet. Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!

Hilo Poet
Date: 10/15/2023 10:29:00 AM

Aloha, Edward! A welcoming blessing, my friend, and once again, a 'heartfelt Mahalo,' William

I Am Anaya

Date: 10/15/2023 9:19:00 AM

Congratulations on your top win William! The General Slocum was a sidewheel passenger steamboat built in Brooklyn, New York, in 1891. On June 15, 1904, General Slocum caught fire and sank in the East River of New York City. She was on a chartered run. The General Slocum disaster was the worst maritime disaster of the 20th century until the Titanic surpassed it a few years later in 1912. September 11 attacks in 2001 was the deadliest manmade disaster. What a history! Awesome Sonnet. Anaya

Hilo Poet
Date: 10/15/2023 10:25:00 AM

A documentary about the girls' clothes caused many of them to drown, plus faulty water pumps were useless for the crew to douse a spark that quickly engulfed the ship. The ship was also in the worst area of the East River, known to many seamen. The life vest came apart as the new owners didn't update it. 'Twas a sad set of circumstances. Mahalo, Anaya, for the enlightenment. Aloha William