POEM: A Captain Died Today
By Mrs Latisha Jacobs
He was getting there you know,
for fine lines crept across his brow
with a beard that looked full white
whenever he grew it out and he sat around the Office
after coming in from sea telling stories of his past.
Of his Vincy Family.
He spoke of deeds with Vernon and parties with Laboo
Many exploits with his buddies
Many tails with his crew
How he grew up with his Grandma
And the lessons he had learned
To always put Antigua First,
The pride he felt at Home
Now we`ll never hear his tails again
For our Chief has passed away
And this Island is a sadder place
For a Captain died today.
He will be mourned by many
Seamen Cadets, Captains, the Mates,
Deckhands, His Admins, All officers;
Will miss him every day.
For the space he held is empty
The quietness of death is real
It crawls around spreading sorrows
Here, there and everywhere and although
TODAYS HIS LAST Ship we know he’s happiest at seas
Where there an endless ocean to keep his company.
So Sam, lift your anchor Now
Hold Fast my friend and boss.
Sail safely on to the sweet, beyond.
And dock your Ship in Heaven
And as we meet to celebrate
The fullness of your life
We sing together this old Hymn
One last time, ” We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love”
In loving memory or our Beloved Chief Pilot Beresford Sam
Written: by Latisha Jacobs.
February 1st 2025.
This story was first published by Antigua News on February 11, 2025: antigua.news/2025/02/11/poem-a-captain-died-today. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
‘They Can’t Dictate That’: Freeland Rejects Player Pressure Over National Coach
Freeland defends the coaching staff and says players should demonstrate their value through training and performance.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Search Ends as All Four Juveniles Who Escaped Bolans Police Station Return to Police Custody
Police apprehended three of the juveniles during a search operation in Liberta on Thursday morning, less than a day after the fourth surrendered to authorities.
By Cory Wayland
Farmers Given 90 Days to Plant as Government Launches 102-Acre Land-Clearing Programme
Antigua launches a 102-acre agricultural land-clearing programme requiring beneficiaries to establish viable crops within 90 days of land preparation.
By Cory Wayland
Freeland Blames Poor Player Commitment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Basketball Withdrawal
Basketball president acknowledges unpaid stipends but says repeated low practice attendance drove the decision to withdraw.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (1)
Island Girl February 11, 2025, 12:27 PM