Sixteen years ago I wrote the following lighthearted poem in honor of my husband Roger and two friends, Roger and Mike, who raced our sailboat in the 1998 National Catalina Race held in Westbrook, Connecticut.  They took first for the tall rig division in all three races.  Yes, readers, the sailboat’s name was Sloopy, the inspiration for the fictional 36 foot sloop that Liz and Garret live aboard in Murder in Mystic, Murder in Newport and Two Headed Snake of Key West.  Our Sloopy was fast and my husband could make a mighty Margarita.

I am sharing this with you in memory of my husband, who passed away on July 1, 2014.  Sail on, my captain.

The pressure was on

To win a glass cup

Each silently prayed

He wouldn’t screw up

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The guy thing, you know

Machismo, at best

The challenge would come

They’d be put to the test

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The good Lord was laughing

As they hoisted the main.

These three would need blessings,

And more, it was plain

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Wine made from water

Was easy for sure,

But Roger, Mike, Roger

Three races endure?

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The task was immense

But these were nice guys

He raised His arms up

And Sloopy did rise.

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She raced to the finish

Three bullets to boot

Miracles do happen.

There’s proof in the loot.

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The lesson each learned,

To celebrate life

Believe in oneself

Be good to your wife.