Sinking Hopes

A Captain's Last Effort

A Sense of Urgency

He quickly ran throughout the ship
Control and poise began to slip
The hull it took a mighty rip
He winced his face and bit his lip
He had to keep the leaders grip

The crew, some helped, but not them all
Engine pressure took a fall
Bells rang out their startled call
As water crawled into the hall

Sealing ports and clearing space
Against the odds the captain raced
Worked a strong and urgent pace
Despite the horror that he faced

Ushered into boats on side
Corralled the people many wide
Filling dropping, next to slide
Battling then the rising tide

The ship went down, the captain too
Despite his work the trip was through
Floated on the lucky few
Who lived to start a life anew.