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.

[Becca Bishop]

Beautiful, as usual :) I really can't say anything more because the more I try to say the stupider the things I'm trying to say sound :P

[...]

leaking of admiration...well written tate!

[joshua deathdealer]

An incredible poem to grace the spectacular story of Sir Ernest Shackleton. I have read of him in history books but none gave him justice like this. Well done.

[Chilson, Joshua]

It's a history lesson with a punch. I truly enjoy the flow of this poem as it is without stumble and runs fluently. Thanks for writing this, I never read about this man and to live twenty months in such extreme weather as that... that I will never understand. Either way I think a lot of people could live using this mans strength of will, though I doubt many would rise to the occasion. Simply an amazing write.

[patricia]

I remember reading all about shackleton because he came from near where I was born, and could possibly be from my family tree. Loved the which ever man you choose to be lines. Thanks.

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Ernest is the Man! Great write of a legendary subject.

[Raven Starhawk]

Dashes of well developed lines spread a delicious flavor to this although I have picked up on some lines that propose the idea this is personal and ever still a fresh memory sure to be replayed.

[...]

You've written what seems to me, a very personal piece. Your poem really shows your admiration for Shackleton. Your words have given a great look into who this man was. I respect this write and the passion behind it.