The Grand McPhee

One night, she wild and stormy be

He docked his ship, the “Grand McPhee”

And went ashore for brew and song

To sing and drink and dance along.

But old and slow he stopped for air

And in the light he saw her there

Dancing tip toed round and round.

Bowing softly to the ground,

He caught her eye, its ocean blue.

His heart so stopped and this he knew:

My love, a dancer she must be

One day, we’ll sail the Grand McPhee.

Not fear nor worry shook his stand,

He waltzed inside and asked her hand.

She looked into his grizzled face,

“No,” said she, to his disgrace.

“Many suitors spar for me

“I want no life upon the sea.

“One is rich with land and gold

“His worth is more than fish you’ve sold.

“One is strong with arms so wide

"He carries logs brought in by tide.

“One is young and fair of face

“He brings me gifts of Queen Anne’s Lace.

“But you, old man, pocket of sieve,

“You, for me, have naught to give.”

And as the storm had ceased to be

He blinked a tear, and back to sea.

As Spring, she sprung, the suitors came

And called out loudly, all the same:

“Dancer, will you marry me?

“Just think how lucky you will be!

“The envy of each and every lass,

“I am the best, all others pass.”

So came the young and fair of face

In truth, he brought his Queen Anne’s Lace.

But “No,” she said, “It cannot be.

“Not face nor flowers can protect me”

And as he left, in came the brawn

With muscles large and musk of fawn.

“Beauty be damned! That man is all wrong!

“You must marry me, I am giant and strong!”

Said she, “Yes, you’re strong and protection is good,

“But your muscles and grandeur cannot buy me food.”

As he left with a grumble, a coach came along

Filled with satchels of money, suitor, and song.

“Dancer, I’m wealthy, with land and gold, to boot!”

“Marry me, for I am best.  In truth, I am a hoot!”

But sadly still she shook her head

For “money can’t buy love,” she said.

And in the night she stood alone

Without a suitor or marriage sewn.

As clouds rolled in from off the sea

She danced once more and thought of He.

The lightning struck and thunder shook.

He, once again, put down his hook.

There she twirled and dipped and spun

But he still, for her, fine gifts had none.

Brave as before, he again took her hand,

His weathered old palms, rubbed smooth by the sand.

“Not rich?” she asked, and “No,” said he.

“My riches lie within the sea.”

“Not strong?” asked she, hand on her hip.

“The strength I need to steer my ship.”

“I see you’ve aged, I count the lines.”

“In my shadow, your beauty shines.”

Softened by his simple quips,

She placed a kiss upon his lips.

Peaceful as he left for sea

He called out from the Grand McPhee:

“I’ll marry you when next we meet

“With wine and song and fish to eat.

“We’ll dance and sail into the sun

“And laugh and sing ‘til day is done.”

Storm clouds caused the skies to dim

Angry waves swelled and swallowed him,

Never to return to his dancing sweet

Where first they met upon the street.

She gazed out from the cliffs in fear,

Blinded by a single tear.

She threw herself into the sea,

And was buried with the Grand McPhee.