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A Tribute to 'Old Ironsides'

With an eye toward history and a heart full pride for six generations of shipbuilders, Richard Somes writes a tribute to 'Old Ironsides' and its careful watch of the Atlantic.

    The author wrote: "My family goes back six generations on the coast of Maine. In the 1700 and 1800s my ancestors built tall ships and many served on sailing ships for commerce and for the Navy. This connection of Maine people, the sea and the Navy goes back to its very beginning.
 
    I had always wanted to visit "Old Ironsides" and do not know how it happened that in my youth I didn't. So while in Boston a few years back, my wife and I took the tour. I can't really express the pride, admiration and emotion I felt standing on her deck and touching her masts.
 
    I have read many stories concerning "Old Ironsides" and her history was well known to me. Still, standing there gave me great pause to reflect on her story. My wife and I stayed all day and drove to Mount Desert Island the next day. A funny thing happened — I couldn't sleep that night. All I could think about was the USS Constitution. I rose and started to write these verses that were swirling in my mind.
 
    This tribute is for "Old Ironsides," those who served and the Navy. We sometimes forget their sacrifice, but when one stands on the deck of the USS Constitution it touches your very soul — she is the Navy.
 
    Since "Old Ironsides" sailed "Downeast" more than once, this tribute may meet your standard for publication."

Editor's Note: Yes, this poem meets publishing standards, yet the modesty displayed by  Mr. Somes cannot stand without clarification. The Somes family is linked to the settlement of Mt. Desert Island and is forever connected through Abraham Somes and the naming of Somes Sound and Somesville.


Hear The Call


Think back, think back — can you recall?

A time like now; when our Navy heard the call.

Remember one; remember all, a time that seems gone by.

When threats were great and fear did spread — while Europe, she stood small.

From the mist — three spires rose – she had heard the call!

This country young — the world was scared! “Old Ironsides” she sailed prepared.

To the oceans she did go and oh did she stand tall.

From Kings, Queens and Pirates past, a cry did rise from all.

Where did this great ship come from? This one that stands so tall.

Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah is yelled. It echoes from the past.

Do you hear the voices of the freed; when “Ironsides” stood fast?

Come about, fill the sails — let the cannon roar!

Close by lies the enemy; we’ve heard this call before.

And in her wake our enemies fell – so many times and more….

There’s time to talk, time to sail and time for cannon ball!

Can it be America needs her now; this mighty lady of the past?

She rests at berth and calls to us; remember to stand fast.

Be not afraid of fog and gale of battles far from home.

She speaks to us of destiny — of days, when she did roam.

This mighty ship would sail again; to aid her country’s call.

Her deck is quiet, her berth is still. Oh can’t you hear her call?

She and crew did sacrifice; remember —some gave all.

Lift up your hearts, unfurl the sails ......OUR NAVY HEARS THE CALL!


Richard Somes lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming and returns to Maine every year.