The tragic death of J. F. Kennedy 50 years ago has been in the news lately. So much so, that it sent me looking through my conglomeration of verses & poems that I have scribbled down over the years.

That particular evening, Nov. 22nd, 1963 after getting home from school, I sat down and wrote this poem. I was shocked in disbelief too, when I heard the news.

It may be too late, but if you do an article on JFK, maybe this poem (for what it is worth) could be used to reflect how his death affected people even in far away Twillingate.

Keep up the good work with the Downhome. Always look forward to reading “the note from the editor.”

Thanks,
Eric

John F. Kennedy, 1963

The world was stunned and shocked all around
It started and heaved a sigh
Oh! No! they cried. It cannot be
That such a man should die

When later news revealed the truth
They scarce could take it in.
It seemed so false, but so shocking true
To so quickly lose a friend.

It slowly dawned that he was gone,
Gone from this world, the stage
Upon which he acted and led the rest
Front master to the page.

Sir John Fitzgerald gave to the world
As the saviour, He had done.
Although not Devine, but along that line
He bought peace and goodwill to man.

His aims were high for he had to try
To hold the world at peace.
And get every man of colour or clan
To pray for war to cease.

But he went down to a Texas Town
In the summer of his years.
Only to die from an assassin’s eye
Who aimed his shot so clear.

Sir John slumped deep in the car’s rear seat
His wife was by his side.
And in that tragic hour so full of power
The president gave up and died.
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