His Song on the Sea

By Tim Pledger

Abandon Ship! Abandon Ship!

Commander’s voice rang clear

The ship was sinking quickly

These brave sailors moved with fear

They plunged into dark waters

Each swam through oily sea

To escape the ol’ Block Island

That was struck by enemy

Young patriots of our land

Had sailed from far to fight fierce war

Yet ne’er could e’er imagine

This tragic night had held in store

For their vessel was torpedoed

Their most valiant never found

Hundreds struggled onto life raft

Wet and weary, yet safe and sound

Men of courage adrift on ocean

Amidst the waves, alone at night

Their shadowy thoughts of peril doom

Wrestling fears and endless fright

They huddled all aboard in masses

Hoping that a rescue near

And then as hope seemed near forgotten

A sailor’s voice came loud and clear

“What have I to dread? What have I to fear?”

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

“I have blessed peace with My Lord so dear”

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

A quiet peace embraced the chaos

A sweet serene filled panicked air

Who was this shipmate with song of Jesus?

Nobody else, but one St.Clair

He had a voice that thundered loudly

A charm that captured those distressed

A spirit undaunted by trial and turmoil

A heart that loved, and words that blessed

He had a conquering love for others

It gave these sailors calm through strife

He showed us faith while in the valley

He unveiled “heaven” while living life

He never wavered in the storms

He always longed for fairer day

Though others drifted without Anchor

Resolved in Christ, he ever stayed

He walked with men of low degree

He ne’er forgot his humble birth

He knew the value of reaching sinners

He felt their pain and saw their worth

He knew of heartache, suffered oft

With heaviness, though rare revealed

His pains were told alone to Jesus

In prayerful closet they’d all been sealed

He brought to each a joy, refreshing

He helped us up when we were down

He threw a lifeline when we were sinking

He gave us strength lest we might drown

For we’ve all been through deep waters

We’ve all at times been sore distressed

And each has hoped in their despair

That they might find a comfort rest

And when in panic mode we cried out

For steadfast soul to calm our fear

While longing for a sure reprieve

We sought a friend who’d share our tear

It seems God gave us Brother Walter

           To lift our hopes, cause fear to flee                

Thank God, at midnight for his dear voice

His Settling Song on Troubled Sea