Notes About The Poem
The Norwegian Lady was the figurehead from the Dictator, a Norwegian vessel that ran aground near Norfolk and Hampton Roads. The rescue of the survivors spearheaded the founding of the United States Coast Guard. Captain Jergensen lost his pregnant wife, Johanne and his four year old son Zealand. The wooden figurehead was replaced by a bronze statue on September 22, 1962 with a duplicate being erected in Moss Norway. The sister statues actually face each other from across the sea, forging a bond of friendship between the United States and the magnificently beautiful Norway.
The Norwegian Lady
Since the 19th century, she stands looking out to sea
A guardian of the sailor, a survivor of tragedy
The Captain lost his pregnant wife and son and five members of his crew
Now she waits just like her sister when a sailor's return is overdue
Her sister stands in Moss since nineteen sixty two
They stand and face each other across the ocean blue
The Dictator, a Norwegian vessel, aground she did run
Nine people died off the shore in eighteen ninety one
The Captain returned to Norway when his healing was done
In Elmwood cemetery he sadly left his wife and son
On thirty seventh street in Virginia Beach the Norwegian Lady Stands
A monument to all who sail and walk on foreign sands
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
