Shackleton

Article London Times : Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.

Sir Ernest Shackleton
Speaking for myself I have to say this man was the greatest adventurer of all time. He led an expedition to cross the Antarctic in 1914. Plagued by hardship was frozen in. Managed by shear will and dogged cussedness to bring all his men out alive some 20 months later. His expedition came as close as any ever did to seeing the naked soul of mankind.

True success known by oh so few

who have held its taste so dear

Becoming one's most loving friend

as well as the thing they most fear

 

Is success so overwhelming

or reflection's failure you dread

Have a mind to be tested here

before on your fears you are fed

 

It's not he thinking better not

who will be served life’s greatest dish

Only a man who risks his pride

can dream of dining on his wish

 

Whichever man you choose to be

in this lifetime as in the next

Will lay foundation for the others

who study you and feel perplexed

 

The man who sees his limits dashed

rendered from toil of sweat and tears

Is he who has lived more in life

than most will know in all their years

 

Author's Note

A man among men he was the greatest adventurer of all time. Managing with 5 of his men a final 800 mile sail in a open dingy over the roaring forties in the Southern Ocean. Using dead reckoning and only two sightings in over two weeks sail. Fought starvation and frostbite through the fifty foot waves and storms. To land successfully on a tiny sliver of an Island called South Georgia. Then went back and save all his men. His sail and subsequent crossing of the interior of South Georgia island on foot,was miraculous. So much so the disbelieving whalers there rescued the tiny boat from the far side of the island. Carrying it on their shoulders, as if it were the Ark of the Covenant.
Returning to England he has always been a light to men. Those who seek adventure and purpose from the daring and dignity of their lives. His efforts to not only save oneself. But to pick up and carry his comrades home to safety as well. Stories told of him from the survivors of the Scott expedition say his character was kind and conciliatory to men of all walks. One man remarked" We were starving. None had eaten anything in 5 days. Shackleton forced his last biscuit upon me. Even though he too was starving. A man can't imagine the magninamity of such a act, who's never experianced it. But I shall never forget it!" He was to this man at least one of the greatest men who ever drew breath.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

I love stories like this and was most moved by it. Despite mankind's many faults and short-comings, this tale of strength, dedication and honor begs one to argue our worthiness. If, one day, God says "Show me why I should let mankind go on," I should like for him to be told about Sir Ernest Shackleton.

[Unspoken poet]

This is quite moving really, Nicely written with lots of emotion through out

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I’m a bit overwhelmed by his accomplishments

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

This is so powerful I love the music and the subject, and of course the poem, thanks so much for entering my competition.

[Tate Morgan]

Julie thank you Shackleton holds a place in my heart

[A Soap Mess Stories]

A wonderful tribute to a selfless man who save hundreds. Great read!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Tootsie I have a warm place in my heart for this guy. He was a great soul

[Einstein Noodle]

i just finished reading a story by Louis L'Amour titled "Fair Blows the Winds" ... its the story of such an adventurer ... of Irish blood .. in the days of the exploration of the Americas .. i love the spirit of your poem and thank you for the education about Sir Ernest .. i will be looking him up for sure ..having such a dull life of me own ..i live a bit vicariously through these types of characters ... i think your poem is solid ..in all the ways it should be .. you take some liberty in the first line of every verse not to rhyme it ;) i suppose you to are carried away with the free/wild spirit of this man :) glad you brought this one to our attention ..
so disappointed in the news ...we all seem to be a bunch of rotting barnacles sucking life and not even giving back a bit of fertilizer ... Sir Ernest is a man to live up to and your poem i am sending to my sons to read ... with your permission of course
E.

[Tate Morgan]

Permission granted gladly Thank you Gene

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks man ..sending it off today :)

[Relic]

This is one incredible story Tate. The man was an angel that showed the true strength that man is capable of, and yet so few can attain. You picked a fascinating man to write about. Good work.

[Tate Morgan]

My friend Relic thank you I often think of this man as one by which I judge all others

[Relic]

You're welcome Tate.

[Bright Ocean Star]

This was a fabulous tribute to an amazing man. He was a throwback to the explorers that our history loves to teach in grade school. He was one of the last great explorers of our time. Very, very wonderful write, Tate

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you very much Should we ever let these men be forgotten we would all be a bit poorer for it .

[Jen Yarrington]

I've heard that the book "Shackleton" was excellent and very inspiring. Your poem definitely sums up the absolute guts he must have had to get his crew through such a harrowing trial.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Jen I am Tate You live in the neighborhood of Lansing Michigan i see. My father lives in Leslie mich. Nice to meet you

[Marie]

THank you for sharing this interesting story with me. I did not know about this hero.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you marie Yeah he was a great guy and i think on his accomplishments now and again

[melissa]

This is a great poem i will be ordering your books as soon as I get some money

[Tate Morgan]

well thank you very much i am sure you will like them

[melissa]

You're welcome

[Acron 4]

I think I knew a man like this. I think it's perhaps the way all men strive to be, weather saving the lives of so many, or leading a bunch of guys in winning a football game. There are leaders and there are followers, they both need each other. I have been both I hope. Wonderful poem.....the work you did on the flow is outstanding....thanks for sharing