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Disorientation

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.

Copyright © Hilo Poet | Year Posted 2023

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Silent One Date: 10/16/2023 12:38:00 PM Awesome poem. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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! Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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