I’ll tell you a tale from a long time ago
I hope you will share it, let everyone know
A story of love and of glistening hope
Of a corporal who died in the morning
Charlie van Scott bred from quite a fine lot
He was raised to accel, not to plod or to plot
He studied until he knew each sailors knot
And soon he gained charge over many
His fleet how it grew and if you only knew
How his men all admired him, captain and crew
They’d give him their sweat and sacrifice too
If the chance e’er arose to their honor
He led many excursions to hunt pirates down
In the name of the queen, the flag of the crown
Fortunes were saved, they called him ‘The bloodhound’
For he sniffed out the brigands of thievery
His wife back on land never gave a demand
But prayed for his safety with the clasp of her hand
She trusted his calling would surely withstand
Though perilous journeys be many
For seventeen years he overcame all her fears
And his victories brought about plenty good cheer
To the men on the docks who lifted their beer
And sang shanties of Corporal Charlie
It was windy the day the waves washed him away
From the quarter deck where now the dirges do play
Weeping and grieving yet some dare to say
That he’s out there somewhere still a’chasing
If you ever find yourself floating aloft
Where the sea may seem to be pillowy soft
Don’t loosen your grip if you’ve sneezed or you’ve coughed
For you may share the fate of the corporal
Fine Corporal van Scott he knew not his lot
And under the waves benevolent bones rot
You may think it matters if you do or do not
Yet God calls your name when it’s ready
If you think I’m a pessimist here to cast doubt
Then show me the man who made his own route
Who pointed the way and stole from God clout
To ignore the hour of his ending
I caution you then to relinquish your sin
And be ready to go with the change of the wind
Like Corporal van Scott you know not your end
But Heaven is just the beginning.
by Royce Waxenfelter
3/15/21
