1856,
evening on the ides of June,
“et tu, pirata?”
“YARG! We hail from Beaver Island —
And don’t believe yer faith!
We only need a few supplies,
Ye’ better listen straight!
That Fresnel lens is ours now, aye?
Along with ye’ small boat.
Hand-over that lantern, matey,
Or with the waves ye’ll float!”
“Maybe your ears are waterlogged,
Hence the constant shouting,
But if there’s something to be said —
I’m ending your outing.”
Suddenly, keeper Philo Beers,
Defending Cat’s Head Point,
Bravely fought, with fist and paddle,
“In your tears, I anoint!”
The pirates ran back to their ships,
Fleeing their moonlit raid;
This “Gentile” simply bested them,
Oar swinging like a blade.
Disciples soon turned on their king,
To know he’ll tell no tale;
Davy Jones’ Locker’ll do the trick,
Left adrift with no sail.
Note from the author:
Yes, this actually happened. During the mid-1800’s, Lake Michigan was home to a group of pirates led by James Strang, a man of many hats, such as, newspaper editor, member of the Michigan House of Representatives, and self-proclaimed king.
Strang and his fellow pirates were known to wreak havoc, and would occasionally raid the mainland for supplies — but did not always succeed. Based on real events, this ballad depicts a particular encounter at Grand Traverse Lighthouse, where keeper Philo Beers fought back against the pirates…