The ballad of Camilla and Ray

 

The Ballad of Camilla and Ray
By Brian D Wittkop Sr

A windswept gravestone in Toledo bears their names
Time has faded the etching with wind sun and rain
It does not diminish the true story of a couples true love
A day when time and circumstance Gathered from above

Ray and Camilla were a Midwest couple born raised and bred
they belonged to each other heart soul and head
They made their life together with different jobs around the lakes
Until as cooks together On a freighter was a life theirs to make

They took work on a Ship named the James H Reed
During the second great war when men were in great need
Leaving Escanaba that one fateful spring morning
Making their way to lake Erie the captain received his early fog warnings

The fog rolled so thick on that April spring day
The Reed slowed to a crawl to give other ships the right of way
In the galley the pair were getting the breakfast ready
The waves were calm as the ship rode smooth and steady

The ships whistle blasted through the heavy fog air
The captain, mate and crew watched for other ships with great care
Watching and waiting for the morning sun to burn off the fog
Writing down the boats position in the ships log

Suddenly another ships whistle was heard on the morning air
The captain with all his might through the fog he did stare
Out of the gloom loomed the bow of a great ship
When the mate saw the sight , It made his heart skip

The other ship slammed into the Reed hard fast and clean.
In rushed the water, Cold dark and mean
The water filled the ship from bow to stern up extremely fast
The good crew and captain knew the ship would not last

In the galley Camilla's heart filled with fear
She had never learned to swim and made that clear
"Save yourself Ray you can swim" Camilla Cried
But Ray refused to leave his wife's side

Swimming in the water was the mate,At the sinking ship he looked back
The lake enveloped the doomed craft ,dark and black
On the top deck was Camilla and Ray locked in each others embrace
Ray turned to Camilla and kissed his wife's face

Wrapped in each others arms with the Reed they went down
Together they slipped below the waves without a sound
Now they lie forever together in a quiet Toledo grave
as the sun sparkles on lake Erie's nearby waves

Life is fleeting
Life is rarely ever fair
So treat your loved ones
With Graciousness love and tender care
Like the Ballad of Camilla and Ray
Locked in each others arms
They will forever stay