Maiden Voyage

She leaves Southampton
This Titanic ship
Her maiden voyage
New York trip
 
Channel crossings to Cherbourg, France
To Queenstown in Ireland
Where passengers dance
To some, a new life awaits
The future will seal their fate
 
Newfoundland waters
Temperature drop
Impending disaster
Without a thought
 
Lookouts, Fleet and Lee
Spot a large iceberg close to she
Sitting off her starboard bow
Sweat dripping from their brow
 
Telegraph indicator
In confusion state
This colossus of ice
Sits and waits
 
Inevitable meet
As natures diamond rips
Starboard side 
Of this most wonderful ship
 
Rivets pop, buckled hull
Atlantic intrusion, in volumes now
Compartments fill, this White Star gem
Will we ever see her likes again
 
Distress signal sent
As the crew are readied
This ship of ships
Emotionally unsteady
 
Lifeboats launched
Woman and children first
On this terrible night
Many fear the worst
 
So many passengers
Few lifeboats
As all around
Bodies float
 
Stern raised, props showing
Metal talking, funnels choking
Lights flicker off and on
Blackout
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Shango Avatar
May 7, 2009 at 6:01 AM
An amazing recount of a great tragedy ... poet and historian ... talent and genius.
Hayton Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Wonderful James, such amazing detail, a truely wonderful write.. Loved it.. jo
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Another painless, in fact joyfully received, history lesson. Poetry = music. Research shows music>>> better grades. Yep! A history book of poems... Smiling. Love, Dane
Devonshire Avatar
May 1, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Hope you don't mind if I share this with a friend.
Devonshire Avatar
May 1, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Wow, James!!! Admire the way you do your research and then render compelling poetry. I see there is a part 2 to this story. Next stop. Excellent in form, substance and research. Love, Carolyn
Golden Avatar
May 1, 2009 at 11:04 AM
This is a great write, James. Fantastic and chilling. Well done! <3 Donna
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