Down to the sea in ships

[Robert Harrison]

The month of March puffed out her cheeks,
As I scanned for trawlers now gone three weeks
With my lips all savored by her salted breathe
She white caped the waves adding to my stress

“Beagle” and “Deep Sea” are only just two
Of the six that set sail in the year of ‘52
Bothgordon turned out to fair them well
The sea was calm with but a light swell.

The trip was short, just sixty short miles
To the banks of Sturgul and Flinty Isles.
Josh, but twelve, was one of the crew
Of the “McCauley” her skipper H. McBrew

Six young lads from the port of Bothgordon
Sailed that morn to the pipe of John O’Flordon.
Brandon, Doogle, and Hamish McTavish
Robert, Josh, and John D.W MacTravis.

The searching ships returned later that same day
From the horizon, I’d scanned off Bothgordon Bay.
And naught was found of the six that set sail,
Nor of the six lads, one, our son, Josh McBail.

We still mourn our lost ones, as we always will,
Around the monument on Bothgordon’s hill.
Erected to the memory of those who sail in ships”
And still our boys go forth, serving apprenticeships.

 

[Kate]

Apart from the words, the whole rhythm of this poem makes me think of sailing across the waves. Well done.