Remembering "Anna"
Editor's Note: Many of us remember the ship Anna, and many of us were sad to see her deteriorate. Thanks to artists, photographers, and many visitors to Cape Vincent, we will not forget.
Alan Goldstein graciously approved the use of his Header Photograph for this article. Stephen Shay, known as the wood shepherd, wrote a wonderful review The Mystery Boat of Cape Vincent, back in July 2021.
Poet Jeanne Van Epps submitted her poem this month and Dennis McCarthy kindly sent us an update.
Hand carved "ANNA" by Stephen Shay, the Wood Shepherd, Maitland, ON.
ANNA
The ANNA is a trawler resting on the hard,
On sturdy cradles in the Anchor yard.
She fished off Block Island for over 30 years,
And has now slept on shore for over for 20 more.
She spent her working life hunting bluefish, tuna and bass.
Now she rests ashore no matter what the forecast.
With a propeller of brass, and length and beam 38 and 10,
She’s been asleep so long, will she ever trawl again?
Her hull is weathered and faded to gray
She is bathed by the wind and the St Lawrence spray.
Maybe someone’s dream will one day come true
And the ANNA will sail on the St Lawrence blue.
By JVE
Jeanne Van Epps lives in Rochester, NY, but she has a summer place in Clayton, on French Bay. Joanne started coming to Clayton in 1967 with her parents and brothers. She writes that she is a retired New York State bank examiner.