Posted by Steve Mayes on December 25, 19103 at 12:23:23:
Cousin to Cousin (the loss of the Carl D. Bradley):
(For Frank)
You would never have chose to sail,
if you would have known the ship would fail.
Onto it's docks far from,
your ship and it's crew were not far from done.
A time of triumph for the company's fleet.
A time of death that the crew members would meet.
Referred to as the "Queen of the Lakes" for a time.
Who was to worry that the great ship would die?
The storm blew itself onto the lake and through.
The ship should have rode the storm out, as it was made to do.
But pitch and tumble as it so did,
leaving many a father, leaving many a kid.
Broken in two she was about to lay.
As the first mate cried the familiar call of "mayday".
The Captain went down along with the crew.
When four turned to three, and three turned to two.
Left alone on a life boat were the first mate and you.
Two Rogers City men, knowing not what to do.
Through freezing tears you both would pray,
trying to stay awake till the coming of the day.
Then as you were both picked up and brought to shore.
You identified the bodies, of sailors no more.
The news of the terrible tragedy had spread,
but all you could think about was the crew members dead.
Disputing the facts as hard as they tried,
in an attempt to cover their asses, adding lie upon lie.
The fact remaining, that the ship lies in as many parts,
as the weary men that were rescued with their two broken hearts.
Divers would try to settle the controversy.
Bringing you back to the ship, closer than you'd ever thought you'd be.
Through all the videos, pictures, and time.
The truth lies in the witness, of that night in your mind.
As you watch the palm trees and the rain fall on your window sill,
you think of the first mate and wish he were here still.
For he missed the remembrance, which made the hard hearted cry.
And in finally shaking your hand, and for the first mate,
ring the ship's bell did I.
I admire you for your courage of the year's long passed.
And know that the story of that great ship, throughout the years will last.
So as they paid tribute to a ship that was dead and gone.
I'll pay tribute to a man who I believe to be strong.
In reading this I hope you see how much I care.
for you, the ship and crew, and those who hadn't a prayer.
For ever night, on the wind is whispered to you sadly.
And now you know that I shall never let them forget the Carl D. Bradley.