To a Departing Kinsman

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T o a D e p a rt in g K i n sma n

By Sheriff Josiah F. Barrett

Josiah F. Barrett was the Sheriff of Nantucket for over three decades and was a familiar figure at Superior Court sessions with his tall silk hat. The poem was written a century ago — 1875. The noble ship is ready, Her sails are now unfurled; The parting hand is given, The last farewell is heard.

A mother's heart is aching, In sorrow for her son, A sister, too, is weeping In loneliness at home.

And relatives and friends Are waiting to escort One so dear and near to them The last time to the wharf. And now the word is given That all things are prepared, The rope is cut asunder And soon the wharf is cleared.

Farewell, my own dear cousin, God bless thee from above; And may he grant that we may meet In happiness and love. But soon we'll be expecting A word from thee to hear, And that, my cousin traveler, You know our hearts will cheer.

A pleasant voyage is wished thee, A speedy, safe return, A happy meeting with those friends Towards whom thy heart doth yearn. Now, once again I say farewell, That word it must be spoken, Accept these lines, my cousin dear As true affection's token.