Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
SS Fleurus: The Day the Circus Ship
Caught Fire, this is my ballad for
Shirley and Jenny. As you may have
guessed by the name of my site, I am
extremely fond of elephants; they
do not belong in the circus.
Please check out Max’s site
for the story of the SS Fleurus.
Tag: Based On Fact
SS Pacific: Guilty Conscience
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my fictionalized “confession” (and I
use that term loosely) made by an un-named
foreman from an unknown shipyard, written
days after the coroner’s inquest re the SS
Pacific, addressed to no one in particular,
which somehow makes this tragedy even
worse. See my notes on the coroner’s inquiry.
Ballad of the Lifeboat: SS City of Benares
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my poem & ballad about the SS City of Benares
Pier 13
Written for dVerse Poetics: But no, a butterfly.
Our host, Merril, challenges us to write a
poem in any form incorporating the names
of at least three butterflies from a list she
has provided. I have chosen Crimson Patch,
Fatal Metalmark, Golden Hairstreak,
Painted Lady, and Velvet Rose.
The Fourteenth Guest: SS Île de France
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my dramatized fiction piece based
on a true renowned introduction on
board the SS Île de France, written
in the style of Ernest Hemingway.
Four Seconds: RMS Lusitania
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my dramatized first-person fiction
built around the documented history of
Kapitänleutnant Walther Schwieger,
commander of U-20 responsible for
the sinking of the RMS Lusitania.
My People
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my story based on facts about the SS Eastland
disaster in the voice of Harry B. Thayer, President
of Western Electric, who chartered the ship
for 2,500 employees and their families
for a company picnic. Thanks, Max!
Torn In Two: A Narrative Monologue
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my story based on facts about the sinking
of the SS Daniel J. Morrell on Nov. 29, 1966 in
Lake Huron from reports made by 26-year-old
watchman and lone survivor, Dennis Hale.
Holding Our Own: SS Edmund Fitzgerald
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my fiction story based on facts about the
SS Edmund Fitzgerald from the vantage point
of SS Anderson First Mate, Morgan Clark.
The Last Prayer
Written for Esther’s Writing Prompts
using the prompt word ‘block’.
After Pennsylvania: A Letter To Henry
Inspired by Max’s blog, ‘Old Steam Ships’ –
this is my story based on facts about the tragic
boiler accident on the steamboat Pennsylvania
which killed Henry Clemens, younger brother
of Samuel Clemens, AKA Mark Twain.
Promised Land: Fire & Water – From Mount Breckan to SS Waratah
Inspired by Max’s blog called ‘Old Steam Ships’.
This is my fiction story combined with facts about
four passengers on board the doomed SS Waratah.
Slow Embrace: The Endurance Speaks – Old Steam Ships, #3
Inspired by a new blog called ‘Old Steam Ships’
by our friend, Max, I have written a poem in
the voice of the Arctic Ship SS Endurance.
The House That Healed
When I saw this photo on Brian’s site,
Bushboy’s World, I knew I wanted to
write something. Here it is. Thanks to
Brian for the use of his wonderful photo.
The Last Evening – May 29, 1914
Inspired by a new blog called ‘Old Steam Ships’
by our friend, Max, I have written a fictionalized
account of Laurence Irving, an English dramatist
and actor, and his actress wife, Mabel Hackney.
They were two actual passengers aboard the
RMS Empress of Ireland and this is their story.
Into The Forge
Written for MLMM Monday Wordle;
the prompt words are shown below.
Here’s where the prompts took me.
sandy ~ numerous ~ cane ~ idea ~ long ~ looking
little ~ keep ~ supper ~ property ~ danger ~ gear
The Lifeboat – April 10, 1968
Inspired by a new blog called ‘Old Steam Ships’
by our friend, Max, this is a fictionalized account
in the voice of Tom Dartford, Quartermaster
of the New Zealand ferry, TEV Wahine.
Please show support for Max’s new endeavor
by checking out his blog. Thank you!
The Ghost Light
Written for Thursday Doors Writing Challenge 2026.
This week I am writing a story to accompany an image of
a historic theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon by Darlene Foster.
The Elephant's Trunk 