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STANLEY MASSEY ARTHURS (American, 1877-1950) "The Wreck of ...

( In honor of my historical neighbor, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose family's summer home is about a mile from where I live )


                                  ~


The captain shook his head, lost in his thought
          His daughter was his dear and treasured prize
               So blessed he'd been to have her on his yacht
     Her joyous heart and bright blue mama's eyes
But now that one sweet choice became unwise
          They'd left the port in fairest skies and breeze
               The old wood ship set sail with grace and ease
     But when the midday sun had reached its mark
The day turned bleak and higher grew the seas
          With all the world about them dimmed and dark.

Proud captain lashed his daughter to the mast
          Tho' wrapped in tartan wool to keep her warm
               An angry sea's cold maw yawned white, aghast
     No schooner yet, had weathered such a storm
Out of the north-northeast in monstrous form
          'Dear Father' cried the girl 'We're soon to drown!'
               'No, not a chance', he lied, 'She'll ne'er go down!'
     'She's built to stand the strongest winter gale!'
Though on his daughter's face, a frozen frown
          For she was long since silent ... dead and pale.






~ 1st Place ~  in the "Dizain" Poetry Contest, Dear Heart, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 1/14/2022 2:33:00 PM
Beautifully written, with detailed images. The ending is heartbreaking! Congrats on your win in Brian's contest! Blessings, Kim M
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Date: 11/23/2021 6:44:00 PM
You my friend gift us with this awesome tale! Showing the unforgiving nature of the sea, storms that test the souls of sailors that venture forth across those oft seemingly endless waters! A fav- a true dark beauty. God bless..
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Date: 11/12/2021 4:21:00 AM
Love this tale within your poem. God bless you, friend. Love, Gina
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/16/2021 1:32:00 AM
Thank you kindly, Gina! <3

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry