Shackleton

Antarctic Explorer

Shackleton

‘Never for me the lowered banner, Never the last endeavour’

I see your conviction, spread over every line 

Never the backward step, I hear you add 

The narrowed eyes unflinching, stare into ours -

you’ll only take the committed, the convinced

You will not take us to vainglorious death 

or Empirical charges down iced lagoons

You do not have an inordinate vanity 

to be the first South

The dimpled chin, fixed lips, jet hair

Navy issue sweater -the  sealskin trousers a mistake 

Merchant Navy men do, no hollow commands

command respect - it’s in the preparation

training, organisation, bonding, leadership

and when the ice starts to crackle and crack

the instant warning to abandon ship

Endurance squeezing to a lingering death

her pained cries echoing in the still air

the ice taking command of our long friend

our faces softening to sadness

the passing too awful to bear 

but true to your instinct

you take the crew to the floe

Time to go home men

Time to go home

Reviews

[Relic]

Welcome to Writers cafe Geoff. After doing a little research on Earnest Shackleton, this poem makes more sense to me now. I like the formatting of this. Your details of his character, even his attire, is impressive and gives us a good idea of his temperament as well as his conviction to his crew.

At first I didn't know who you were referring to when you mentioned 'her.' Now I know. Your depiction of her demise gives us a better idea of the personal feelings men have for their ship. This is an accurate and worthy poem that was enjoyable to discover and learn about.

[Sami Khalil]

A very interesting and good poem...:).....................

[Chandler bing]

that was exhilarating, great work!

[zainul]

Very interesting write.
Learned about the brave explorer.
Thanks for sharing.

[bobc]

G...I like this very much. A wonderful expression of history as poetry. To be completely honest, I had to look up about Shackleton and the Endurance after my first read. Need a refresher sometimes. Thanx and welcome to WC...bobc