Charming, nostalgic, inviting; aptly describes the Kennebunks of the present day.  For the lovers of history, the area has a fascinating past.  In days gone by, shipbuilding and seafaring played a large and intriguing part.

 

As a child growing up in the area, I was always attracted to the large, beautiful homes of the ship captains of long ago.  I found myself wondering, as I still do today;  What were they like?  How long were they away at sea? Where did they go?  Imagination serves the only answers.  The rest is shrouded in the mysterious past.

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Having written a poem in honor of the ship captains' wives, (The Ladies Of The Shore), it seemed fitting to pen one for the captain of the sea. Thus, "Rope, Rigging and Mast", came to be.  This was by far, the most challenging of poems.  As I have never been a sea captain, I am unable to draw from personal experience or observation.  Enter, imagination.

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How must they have felt, so far from home and loved ones?  I have imparted, I hope; the passage of time, a wide range of emotion, the reality of life at sea and the joy of homecoming.  And, of course, being a romantic at heart, there must be a happy ending.  So, Dear Readers, put yourselves in his black boots, and enjoy the ride.

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Susan Brackett

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You may find the poem entitled "Rope Rigging and Mast", in the category "Whimsy".

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