Amazing Grace, her father too,
Upon that Longstone beach,
They saw the wreck and they both knew
It would be hard to reach.
The storm blew wild, the seas were high
The rocks a mile afar,
No time to spare for they must fly
To reach that big Harcar.
The cobble boat they quickly launched
Upon that awesome tide
In moments they were sorely drenched
As waves swept o'er the side.
No thought of self, they ploughed straight on
Until they reached the wreck
They found that half the ship had gone
Just nine clung to the deck.
They loaded four upon their boat
And rowed them back to shore.
And Grace took care of three they brought
The others went for more.
So William and a man he saved
Now rowed to save the rest
The wind increased but still they braved
The storm to gain their quest.
Five other souls were saved that night
By fortitude so rare
By Will the keeper of the light,
His daughter, Grace, so fair.
When she took ill some four years on
That noble Hotspur clan
Now cared for her, as she had done,
As brave as any man.
Alas, their efforts were in vain,
The duchess at her side,
So Grace's light began to wane,
Immortal when she died.
What a wonderful story! I did not know this at all and I, of course, love the song Amazing Grace...and a thoughtful link. Love. I'm glad you provided the author's note, not only for the back story (the story can, of course, stand alone...but) but also so I could reread it with the music of Amazing Grace in my mind. You did a nice job with the wording and the rhyming too. Very well done.
Thank you, Pam. I was thinking of interweaving the two stories but I thought this link worked better. I might write one about John Newton himself. His story is worth examining and his great poem really did describe the transformation in his Life. It is thought that the tune may be American, you may be interested to know. Tom
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This is a brilliant tribute, I can only go by how things make me feel as I read, I felt the visuals were so real, it felt like I was watching a film, I could see it all in my minds eye. very well penned. enjoyed it very much indeed. Annette
The sea is a great inspiration. Of course it can be fearsome too. Grace was only 22 when she undertook this brave rescue with her Father. Hard to imagine a braver act. The Percy family gave them some beautiful presents and Nation raised a great deal of money to ensure their future. Queen Victoria was a generous contributor. Grace's example has inspired many to volunteer for the Lifeboat Service and if we honour her we honour these men and women too. Tom