Song Of The Seamen And Their Ship Mary Rose

The Mary Rose was built at Portsmouth between 1509 and 1511 as part of a large build-up of naval force by the new king in the years between 1510 and

   

 

 

Mary Rose, the mighty sailing sea vessel glided majestically across the waves
She had robustly and bravely sailed the briny waves for many a night and day
With the ocean's heaving gusting squalls blowing off proud stern and mast
Sailing victorious and proud - her billowing white sails were cast
The calm, liquid waters of the sea flowed quietly purple for now-
Unaware of the coming storm that would beat furious against her bow

Her alabaster sails whipped violent and furious in the oncoming storm
Impending doom was yelling its cries while the seamen went unwarned
Down below, inside their cabins the seamen peacefully slept
Wrapped in the secure watch that their gallant captain kept
The oceans black, boiling waves beat savage against starboard and port
As Captain Noe standing fearless - at first quake, did not the storm report

The old wooden beams of the Mary Rose began to restlessly moan and creak
While the blackened roaring, rolling waves beat furious against her feet
Her alabaster sails rose proud- beating mighty against wailing squalls and gusts
While deep inside the bow in bunks, the sleeping seamen thrust

Suddenly...they heard the captain's distraught voice cry out
When the seamen heard his voice -they heard fear without doubt
“Awake, all of ye’ ”,   Captain Noe forcefully roared
“Alive! Awake… all ye’ seamen come quickly up on board”!

The savage spirit of the sea reigned fierce with rage and fear
While the brave captain fought - loyal seaman brought up the rear
They courageously fought together - not silenced by the eye of death
As the sea raged violently against them with its brutal, menacing breath

To save their mighty Mary Rose, they’d dip their very souls in blood
Leaving themselves merciless against this drunken, mighty flood
With plank and bow standing fierce between them and their fate
The raging ocean’s fierce, blackened waves - the sea they could not hate

The morning brought the warming sun which rose broad above the waves
The winds had tamed their violent voice against captain and seaman brave
With unshakable courage and seaman’s wit not once were spirits broke
Each cheered his mate and captain strong as they fought with steady stroke
Their peril fought in days of danger and night filled with pain
Their manly courage did not wane - their fight was not in vain
For all the courageous seamen and their brave Captain Noe
Joined together in hand and spirit to save...their proud 'Mary Rose'

 

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          by anne p murray -©2012

                         

 

Author's Note

The Mary Rose was built between 1509 and 1511 as one of the first ships to fire broadside. After a long and successful career, she sank accidentally during an engagement with the French fleet in 1545. She was rediscovered and raised in 1968.

My version is that The Mary Rose lived her long life, transporting seamen and cargo for over 60 years, until she gracefully retired

Reviews

[wordman]

this was a exciting and educational write I loved the story and I stole a copy of your lovely art work

[A. Amos]

This is knowledge and history, mom thank you for educating the world...love you

[anne p. murray- LadeeAn..]

I appreciate so much your terrific comments. It was the 1st time I'd written something of this nature. It was as if it really wrote itself, cuz' I don't know where the words came from...they just did

[quinfinn]

i don't think i expected such a fiery and steely seafarer's adventure from you but i am now a believer. this poem is relentless in holding one's attention and literally leaves one clinging to the mast for support, right up until the relief and calmness of the happy conclusion. i think this is an incredible write and should definitely be published in hard copy for posterity. well done!

[The White Wolf]

Well, what can I say? I love it! Enough said! Great job on this, lady :)

[anne p. murray- LadeeAnne]

Well, thank you very much, I really enjoyed writing this piece. It was different venue for me