The Sinking Of The Titanic: An Eye Witness Account Poem by James Gibbons

The purser said to don the jackets, With a smile, another drink, replied I, of course complied

Forty foot of black steel plate From sea to white laced rail. Pride of the White Star Line. Record crossing, wonder of the seven seas. New technology, built unsinkable!

Dining in the grand salon; tux and tails Polished mirrors, mitered satinwood, walnut paneled Bowing waiters, silver compotes, caviar and croutons. Elegant Dining, candles glow, boef tournedos', caramelized flan.

The great ship lurched, the sirens wailed. Food and appetites curtailed Close the water tight door's Captain's command. Champagne for all, the fire place blazed Another Dom Perignon for Messieurs and Madame's Warm surroundings cradled the diners Oblivious to all the turmoil and trouble

And after awhile, all seemed gentle Except the running of little feet I asked the waiter, the ship was not moving, He said something about a minor matter

The Head Stewart announced, 'We've struck an iceberg ' Man your stations, now alert, they set to work.

With velvet cape against the cold, cigar in hand I questioned the life boat boson, what was to be gained? I was asked to climb aboard the life boat, held eighty. Only seven women, my wife, four children were lowered away. I saw no reason not for this early delay.

The ship did list and pandemonium struck, It occurred to me we might be out of luck! Fearing for my life I raced to the last boat, Women and children only I heard them shout Now in a panic, quivering, fear gripped me through. Sweat on my neck, hairs bristled and grew. I did not want to die on this sinking ship.

I was overwhelmed with my fear of death. My mind petrified, terrified to die; stuck in this maelstrom of conflicting emotions. And in my agony, forever shamed, I with haste to make, Donned my wife's dress and wide brimmed hat,
Heard the violins playing 'Nearer my God to thee' These brave men stayed through the silence of rushing water. I was seized with with such a fear I can never clear. I made my vow now not to die. Hunched over, I climbed aboard that life boat, The last to leave this watery dungeon alive.
And I saw the great ship down by the bow, A snapping and a cracking as she broke in two, The stern then ascended as a broken token With her massive slashing rotating brass blades throwing water and slicing air.
Trashed passengers crashed on steel decks, into icy seas, Before they succumbed to weakness and freeze.
And I held my skirts tight round my knee. And cried for those without wits like me.