Published: April 26, 2007 02:43 pm
PrintThis
The Ballad of Smiling Light
Linda Sharron of Methuen
The smiling light of Matinicus Rock A jubilant sight it be Posed in the spray of Penobscot Bay It promenades mariners on their way Through the jealous froth of the sea. Whenever a seasoned Salt has sailed Through the infinite sea's abyss As the tempest whirled and the breakers curled Matinicus cheated the Netherworld With the beacon's reviving kiss Then roll ye tides, ye tides roll on On this fine New England morning. And may I live till another day New England's my home! From coastal Maine to this craggy isle Young Abigail Burgess came The Keeper's child, she frolicked and smiled And gathered her wits when the sea was wild And her nets when the waves were tame. Her mother an invalid, helpless and frail Her brother a fisher by trade Her sisters were small, and caring for all She tended the light, commandeering the squall From the height of the granite stockade. Then roll ye tides, ye tides roll on On this fine New England morning. And may I live till another day New England's my home! The Keeper departed to purchase supplies "I'll depend on you, Abbie," he cried He leapt aboard as the billows roared And the northeast wailed a toccata chord In tune with the turbulent tide. Merciless was the crescendo of surf Flooding the weather-worn ground Combating the gale was brave Abigail Who tireless worked till fair weather prevailed So only their voices were drowned. Then roll ye tides, ye tides roll on On this fine New England morning. And may I live till another day New England's my home! A schooner whisked her father home Across the weary brine She murmured near the Keeper's ear "A guiding force sustained us here: It was God's strength, not-mine." Mariners wafted a chantey of praise For the maiden of dauntless cheer The penitent calm brought a soothing balm The lapping of waves like a rhythmic psalm And the ocean a sonneteer. Then roll ye tides, ye tides roll on On this fine New England morning. And may I live till another day New England's my home! The lighthouse beamed from Matinicus Rock Echoed the mariner's peal The message it sent to the ages meant That a dutiful life is a monument Much greater than granite and steel. Then roll ye tides, ye tides roll on On this fine New England morning. And hoist a glass to the bonnie lass O this fine New England day!
PrintThis
More stories from the News section
View the forum thread.
Comments powered by
Print Advertisement
Click Image to Enlarge