THE SOFIA
vanderbilt is a hidden reefJust south of skagway townWhere low tide shows the fatal reefIts fangs with seaweed brown.’Twas there in a night of snow and stormIn the year of sad sixteenThe Sofia sank and carried downThree hundred and eighteen . . . She strick the reef ere day had comein the storm where the blizzard howledshe struck and fast on the reef she ranThe wild sea leaped and growled.Her skipper called her crew to himand said “my men make readyI do not think our ship will sinkfor the tide is at its eddy.”Her bosun stern has sailed the seasfor years a score or moreHe said, “This ship is doomed sir,Her hours are less than four”Her Captain proud he laughed in gleeat the Bosun’s simple warning.“The tugs are close and free we’ll bewhen comes tomorrow morning.”The bosun shook his head in doubtand returned unto his duty.“This sea is fanged with fire tonightand Gone is summer’s beauty.”(Cont.)
