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.