Nantucket Whaling Sonnet

(Nantucket Whaling Museum - Artist's conception of early whaling days)

A beautiful, small island off Cape Cod,
Cold waters brought giant whales to be awed.
The romance of the sea and cobblestone streets,
Nantucket, world hub of whaling ship fleets.

The rough coast and salt air enticed young men,
In search of adventure, again and again.
Men like Melville, skilled with harpoon and quill,
Writing Moby-Dick, readers he would thrill.

Largest living creature, massive in size,
The Sperm Whale, the whalers' ultimate prize.
Courageous journeys at sea, years in length,
Demanding physical and mental strength.

"Thar She Blows!", the dark sea monster spotted with all its might,
Hunted, killed for oil to power Early America's light.

Richard C. Welch, Jr.

December 19, 2017

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