"On Leaving Legals Seafood" by John C. Mannone

On Leaving Legals Seafood

John C. Mannone

            Long Wharf, Boston, 2012

Water taxis ride the sacred

Boston harbor waterways

seemingly with indifference

to American Revolution

echoes dissolved in the waves

and in the whispers of offshore

breeze and boat wind. I know,

I heard them despite the seagull

cries for anything one could throw

them, like manna. And the water,

Holy Moses, split open to green walls 

by boat’s bow leaning into the turn.

Behind me, a wake of history

hidden by sky scrapers, but ahead

to the north and west, the sky

in its prayer shawl, kneels 

at the sight. All I can do is chant

‘Oh my dear Lord’ through the water

filling my eyes. I see her sails

still fluttering freedom. Her sleek

wood painted to hide the blood

of those who gave theirs for me.

A constellation of emotion

upwelling out of the silence

into a roar of gratitude to those

who served on the USS Constitution

for this great ship of State.

Poet’s Notes:  On a business trip in 2012, I visited Legals Seafood’s main restaurant on the wharf in Boston harbor and took a water taxi. The tears welled in me as I saw that great ship floating there, still seaworthy! This poem had been hiding in my spirit for quite some time.

Editor’s Note:  Seeing the USS Constitution (pictured) when I was a boy moved me, too.  John’s poem captures the feelings the sight of her inspired in me.

USS Constitution, a 44-gun frigate, also known as “Old Ironsides”, was launched in 1797 and distinguished herself in the War of 1812 and served as a training ship during the War Between the States.  She remains the oldest ship in active US Navy service.  To find out how this mighty warship earned her nickname, follow this link http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/July-August-08/On-this-Day--USS-Constitution-Earns-Nickname--Old-Ironsides--in-War-of-1812.html.