At Arromanches Les Baines, the British used a massive artificial harbour, known as Mulberry Harbour( specifically Mulberry B) to facilitate the landing of troops and supplies after D Day. It was ingenious.
Mulberry B
They lie half buried in the sand
Parked like huge metal flat beds
Under heavy weather barrages
Once they ebbed and flowed with the tide
That now washes over them
a stark reminder of sufferings
bravery and sacrifices
Invaded by moss,
they rust together
Undefeated in their history
yet their freedom doomed
There are no gravestones
at Arromanches Les Baines
Just revered metal allies
03/04/2025
Although it was written and recorded in 1968,
I think that it was the late 80's when I first heard it.
First, arrested by it; later captured; then embraced.
For more than 30 years, I have loved that song.
It was the way that Sammie sang it; how he danced to it.
I felt Mr. Bojangles's heart and understood his pain.
"I drinks a bit", said he, but managed to 'jump so high'.
Growing up, I knew many a man like Mr. Bojangles.
I remember them, oh so well, and could name them one by one.
But none were closer to my family than Baines, Billy, and Buba.
They were abused and underserved. Their sad lives were never a song.
But when I hear that Bojangles song, I can taste the sweetness of their lives.
They were kind and gentle; worked hard from 6 to 6; too tired to 'jump so high'. Hurting none but themselves, they were skilled, talented, and drank more than a bit. The song takes me back to the 'Bojangles men' I once knew.
They laughed a little, smiled readily, helped others faithfully, drank heavily.
071822PSCtest, One In Five 2. Chosen phrase, #3. Joseph May, Sponsor
*Mr. Bojangles, written and produced by Jerry Jeff Walker
Mr. Bojangles, version by Sammie Davis Jr. 1P
~ Back in the Day ~
A young English major from Wisconsin
In passionate romance was ensconced in
She fell hard for a poet
Alas, he did not know it
Said: ‘You look just like Lady Bird Johnson!’*
____________________________________
*JIC (Just in case) you don't remember 'Lady
Bird,' she was the wife of President Lyndon
Baines Johnson (1960's). I wouldn't say she
was homely looking or anything, but ...
John Albert Baines R I P
Beneath this sod the mortal remains
A man of this parish, John Albert Baines
A single young man, a butcher by trade
Paid a high price for the error he made
Went out and got drunk, himself and his pal
And staggering home fell in the canal
His pal pulled him out, but he fell in again
And now he lies sleeping under this stane
Stane--stone
fictitious person contest