Saugus, Massachusetts - 1658
Twilight skims a copper streak
across the river’s end
and Sun runs down that rusty creek
chased by shadows that portend.
Hidden in the nighttime’s gloom
running black against the sky
satanic ship of evil looms.
No ensign does she fly.
Fear of Ned Low’s ruthless heart
as Death drops anchor in their midst;
The iron-folk in terror start
to forge this word across their lips.
Pirates!
Saugus harbor’s black and bleak
and shrouds a small-boat lowered down.
Four men make the pulleys squeak
and “thud” of heavy chest resounds.
The oarsmen pull the boat upstream
deep along the riverside
and disembark as was their scheme
moving to the woods to hide.
Mornings light a mystery brings
as village folk fraught with fear
hear the news of Pirates landing
but their ship has disappeared,
A messenger is sent unseen
seeking British Naval support
but weeks will pass before Marine’s
arrive from that far-off port.
And posted on the foundry door
a demand for iron devices
tools, weapons, shackles and more
in trade for silver, a tempting price.
The coerced swap of iron
for silver, occurs, no Pirates seen.
Four thieves erect what they require
while iron-folk pray for Marines.
A King's cruiser of soldiers
disembark, but capture only three.
Ropes about their necks and shoulders
Pirates are hung hastily.
A fourth man, Thomas Veal by name
escapes deeper into the woods.
In a common cave he hides ashamed
earning his keep selling handmade goods.
But soon he meets a Pirate's fate
sealed inside his cave-like home
the earthquake of 1658
turns it into a dungeon tomb.
Comments1
Made me want to learn more of this - great poem MF
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