The Most Beautiful Lady That Ever Was
People anticipated, and waited for the day they could gaze upon my beauty, and that they did. The men adored me, the women admired me, and the children were in awe of me.
Everyone loved me! I was an Irish lass from Belfast that would depart Southhampton, England and journey to America. I felt like royalty from all the applause and cheers the public showered me with, along with everyone looking at my gorgeous figure. What woman wouldn't enjoy that!
Rich or poor, people understood they were in the presence of a lady the likes of which they had never before seen. I would make my way to New York for the first time, and these people from all walks of life wanted to accompany me there.
I felt very special about this. It was April 11th, 1912 and we set sail out of port. My guests waved goodbye to friends and loved ones many of whom desperately wanted to come but were unable. I could hear them yelling, "wait for us my lady" but I could not. They seemed heartbroken as we faded from their sight, but I had a schedule to uphold for my guests aboard.
I sailed across the water like a swan on a still lake, so majestic in my form. For almost five days, guests and attendants enjoyed all the luxuries I had to offer. They spoke frequently of me not knowing I was quietly listening. I was flattered and honored by their compliments, so much so, we were ahead of schedule.
In trying to please everyone, I had grown tired. It was clear and bitter cold in the wee hours of April 15th, when I closed my eyes for but a moment, a moment now etched in time. I felt a shock of cold and a tearing at my side, then a peaceful calm. I realized all was not well, like a hole in my best silk dress, it would not be repairable. What was I to do? I had to keep my composer as my men tried to assess the damage. It was not good by the sound of their voices, but I begged them not to worry the guests if need be.
I could hear people asking, "is everything alright" and the reply of "yes madame, just put your life vest on as precaution".
It was growing colder as the water filled my being. Looking at the stars so bright, as if wanting them to help me but so far away. I know knew my guests had to disembark to the lifeboats, but many were still assured that I would protect them. "Please get to the boats" I cried! Most did not heed my warning. Many of first class, were smoking and drinking Brandy. I could hear them saying "don't worry, God himself could not sink this ship".
My bow was submerged as more people filled my upper deck, steerage was now doomed for I could not help. The lifts to the top levels were abandoned now. I watch as flares illuminate the black sky, in hopes someone will see our distress, or hear calls of CQD.
My engines have now stopped, the boilers explode ferociously, steam filling the air. People were jumping in the frigid Atlantic as I yelled "you're not filling the boats to capacity"! My screams went unabated as I started to tilt upwards. It was dark on board, the lights of my eyes closed. The band played "Nearer my God to thee", noble gentlemen they were, trying to ease a lady's fear.
All I could do was say a prayer for those who remained, "God have mercy on their souls".
Trying to embrace them lovingly, my passengers, we descended into the abyss. As I sank my heart broke in two scattering the depths with my sadness. "Please forgive me of this tragedy". I tried to save them on that fateful night over a century ago. We are all one now, a memory. Never forget me, the most beautiful lady that ever was.......
Copyright ©
Dave Bowers
|