Waved!

From the passenger deck the family waved

excitedly to their relatives

tears flowing on the dockside far below

their journey about to begin

a hard decision leaving so many behind

already for them pined.

 

Before long pulled away the course was set

the old country disappeared

soon over the horizon and picking up speed

as the temperature dropped

heading towards the freezing north Atlantic

aboard the luxury liner Titanic!

 

The parents full of optimism for their futures

an adventure set in motion

like hundreds aboard this magnificent ship

beginning its maiden voyage

but as life often is an unpredictable gamble

not always a pleasant amble.

 

While trying to settle their excited children

for at least a few hours sleep

high above upon an observation platform

lookouts through binoculars

saw large icebergs as they passed at speed

not slowing onward did proceed!

 

Unaware of  any risks passengers were relaxed

happy and confident it was safe

being told the ship was an unsinkable vessel

and their destination guaranteed!

suddenly there was a slight judder from below

a vibration that began to grow.

 

The clock on the wall in the upper deck cabin

clearly read twenty-three forty

their instincts told them something was wrong

a frantic knock on the door

and a stewards cry get to your lifeboat station

giving no further explanation!

 

A child each grasped tightly in their aching arms

found themselves in the crush

of panic-stricken passengers equally confused

scrabbling to reach the lifeboats

only to discover not enough had been provided

and families were divided!

 

Women and children the priority caused mayhem

fathers were left on the decks

elderly couples not wanting to be separated stayed

some single men tried to get in

being launched half full others tipped up in the sea

many jumped into to be free!

 

As it sank no rescue ships were within the vicinity

the happy couple were parted

the two children cried as they were being lowered

down onto the cruel icy sea

now it was their own father staring with a disbelief

waving trying to hide his grief!

 

Mother and children eventually were rescued

and reached their destination

but returned home their dream now shattered

never to see their father again

nor a young wife to see here beloved husband

without him now they would stand!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

 

 

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