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.

[Dillon Cotter]

very impresive dude, i like the balance of success and possible failure in this write. this is a great write thats influencial and a good inspiration.

-Will

[Nancy Lee Shrader]

A great tribute to a great man. Great poem too.

[James Paulin]

Quite a reflection on a stouthearted man of great courage. You have written a wonderful poem that is inspiring.

[Bhavya Kaushik]

This is indeed an amazing piece of writing. I'm calling it a "piece" here, because it is not just a poem but a piece of artistry created by a spectacular artist. It is indeed like a painting or a sculpture, with unimaginable beauty reciting in it.
Shackleton was indeed one of the greatest persons who was born on the face of this earth and you have paid such a great and historical tribute to him from this piece.
Great work! Truly Remarkable!

[Luna]

This is a very creative subject and easy to relate to even in today's society. Fantastic write.

[LisetteCanWrite!]

A historical tribute.. that's very well-written and like so many of your pieces.. full of metaphor and wisdom. I just love the way you manage to keep it simple yet with that touch of complexity hiding behind each piece. So many men are pushed by fathers to become a success.. failure not being an option. This is an ode to not quitting and an extraordinary man who roughed it out and made it in the end. Your words weave this message nicely.. some do have it harder than others and are wiser for it in the end. Great job!

[John McGrael]

wow...
the music is a great touch, it really set the mood for the poem
made it so much more...

such a great poem!

[JustWantLove]

"Only a man who risks his pride, can dream of dining on his wish" - insanely true and alive! Passion! Awesome!

[Austin Smith]

I had never heard of Shackleton before I read this poem. This is a breath-taking tribute to what seems to be a great man in history, everything is abstract yet beautifully related to the topic. You always seem to create such wonders with your typewriter (not sure whether you write down your thoughts with pen before uploading them), and this is no different, if not greater.

[Leaner Pastures]

I particularly liked the last stanza. Not only was it a fitting tribute to a fine adventurer, but it is also full of lasting wisdom for all of us.