And even from birth I was a proud wooded vessel
hardwood beams formed my crest and prow: Oak,
Chestnut, Black Walnut, and Sycamores; Three masts,
from names nearly forgotten ere now. America still young.
And I was framed and shaped by hand drawn plane,
foot powered saws, dragged by sweating mule teams;
made with such care as even a bygone day had rarely seen
I was a princely figure among most ordinary tonnage.
So proud were my trading company owners like parents proud
seeing their fine offspring set out into the world, with a prayer;
a fond calling to Heavens for a fair return on expenses,
the only reward they sought, and a lovely name - Evangeline.
And for months did I skim smoothly over waters
Atlantic cold, Caribbean emerald, and off to Guinea Coast;
and back again Rum, Sugar Cane, and finished goods
a triangle of good profit and fulfillment of my blessings.
And then came difference, my days so changed were they,
a new triangle to Africa and barely holding provisions half empty;
and then filled was I with the people from the places I had seen:
Guinea, Nubians and Ivory lands, the beautiful colors they wore and their smiles.
No, this day there were no colors and no smiles, dragged were they
and unwilling to fill my hull, head to foot in rows like packed fish;
and Mothers cried as they left their babes, and grown men were
broken in grief, and more still they came unto even the deck places filled.
And now did my boards groan and seep salty waters,
and did the sound rise up over me . For I was a minister
of the worst, man has done his worst today within my ribs.
Sail to Americas the halls of freedom await wealth I bring;
Evangeline of tears, hulled with chains, and profits,
Evangeline with a painted smile on her prow.
Silver trophy winner
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