I lay in bed body prone
As I remember days long gone
While working on a dredge at sea
Crewman fell over, I did see
Spinning round in our wake
So called "Man over" for his sake
But he had drowned there was no doubt
Dredge now slowed we had to get him out
Crew murmured "Is that John Kidd?"
Water surged around us as we did
I was standing on the bulwark
Luckily it was not yet dark
Just thought John was newlywed
Had not long left his marriage bed
Found the heart of such lovely lass
What did he do that was so crass?
Spinning round in ice cold sea
His luck ran out as all could see
I'll be the one to tell his wife
Was there much sadness in his life?
So it was I called on her
She asked me in, I did not demur
Chatted with her to help her plan
His faults not told, she held my hand
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A sad and somewhat intriguing tale. I'd love a Chapter 2.
ReplyDeleteA tragic tale, Robin. I can imagine the crewman spinning around in the icy wake of the dredger, the water surging, and the chill of realisation settling on the crew.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that the narrator could be of some comfort in this time of tragedy. Often, people just don't know what to do when tragedy strikes. Letting someone hold our hand, or holding someone else's hand is a simple act, but so meaningful in times of grief.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad story. Like Rosemary, I wonder if there is more.
ReplyDeleteA sad tale Robin, luv the use of rhyme which you do so well
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday
Much💛love
So sad. An ode.
ReplyDeleteLove the tragic shanty. I appreciate the word choices like bulwark and dredge.
ReplyDeleteSuch a responsibility to be the bearer of dire news, no doubt a lingering memory for you. Alas, young Kidd, and his life ended all too soon!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad tale. And as much as I'm glad the widow has a helping hand, I don't envy the narrator's position. Telling someone their loved one is gone is never a good place to be in.
ReplyDeleteOh my .... to be part of something so horrific. Your poetry somehow made it less tragic.
ReplyDeleteThe weight of one who must carry sad news fills this poem. Beautiful writing
ReplyDeleteWell told! The rhyme and cadence work beautifully with the nautical notes. And what an intriguing finish.
ReplyDeleteThere's always something sad about a death at sea.
ReplyDelete