Please find enclosed a copy of an epic poem I wrote for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. I was inspired by an article I read in your April 2012 issue. I read this at the celebration ceremonies that were held in Portugal Cove South & at the diner in Trepassey. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of this memorable occasion. I grew up in the area so I had known about Titanic from an early age. Your article gave me some facts I wasn’t aware of before. Thank-you!

The “Unsinkable” Titanic
April 10 - April 15
1912

Titanic was a majestic ship, built in Belfast 100 years ago
Made to withstand all perils, no matter where she’d go
She left Southhampton, England, with passengers and crew
All bound for New York City, they bid farewell – adieu

A magnificent sight to behold, as she headed out to sea
Those standing at the dockside, whispered a prayer “God Speed!”
Four gigantic smokestacks, towered over several decks below
Her mighty engines powered, by men who shoveled coal

The upper decks catered to those, who were first and second class
They held fancy dinner parties, and drank wine from crystal glass
Some had their noses in the air, to show off a distinguished breed
Maids and butlers were brought along, to fulfill their every need

There was a breathtaking staircase, on the luxurious ship
That led to a spectacular ballroom, where they enjoyed their trip
Passengers on the third deck, were considered lower class
Not to mingle with the “uppies,” cause that would be too brash

Titanic was making headway, along her charted course
Owners wanted to exceed the record, on this her “maiden” voyage
“Full steam ahead!” was ordered to the engine room below
Her majestic form glided along, her lights were all aglow

Operators were kept so busy, with messages of goodwill
They failed to relay warnings, of icebergs standing still
Some passengers strolled on deck, enjoying the starlit night
Others settled in their rooms, oblivious to their plight

A terrible tragedy awaited them, upon the briny blue
The broad Atlantic Ocean, hid an iceberg from their view
Like “star crossed” lovers destined to meet, it happened in a blink
Ice ripped open her “virgin” hull, there was no time to think

“All hands on deck” the Captain said, “everyone sound the alarm”
Women and children to the boats, be sure to dress up warm
Passengers down in steerage, were told they had to wait
Someone gave an order, “Don’t open the gate!”

There was so much confusion, people rushing here and there
Band members were told to start playing, to help quiet any fears
The crew gave out lifejackets, as far as they would go
Some others didn’t get one, cause they were down below

Then people began to panic, mayhem was all around
They realized what happened, Titanic was going down
Some of them jumped overboard, others began to pray
Dear God in Heaven help us, we won’t see another day

Flares went up, distress signals dispatched, from place to place
The very first to respond, were the operators at Cape Race
They quickly relayed the message, to ships who may be near
Titanic is in danger, come help when you hear

The band played on, in the early morning hours, of April the 15th
As the mighty “unsinkable” Titanic, slid into the deep
Despite all their valiant efforts, and trying to be brave
Hundreds of souls went with her, into their watery grave

Those out in the lifeboats, could only watch and pray
For those dear ones who lost their lives, on that horrific day
Carpathia arrived upon the scene, unfortunately two hours late
They rescued the survivors, who had been left to their own fate

Many stories have been written, about that dreadful day
So many hearts were broken, near and far along the way
Today as we remember Titanic, the greatest tragedy at sea
May we always be reminded, of our own mortality

God rest their souls! God Bless us every one!

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