Stan Rogers’ Disappointment

Tents, hidden by the black of night, occasionally come into view when the fire grows. Our camp echoes with laughter and singing. The fire burns, crackling up like an off tempo drum beat, much like my spoon playing, flicking the instrument between my hand and thigh. Meanwhile, Drum Major Josh keeps a solid tempo on his drum. Thomas strums his guitar, singing another solid Irish tune. His voice is deep. Dalton sings at his flank in what I’d guess is a tenor. Darkness keeps us close in its embrace. The fire flickers against our faces, highlighting smiles and laughter.

As the song winds down, Brennan and I pick up “Old Maui” (Stan Rogers is my favorite version).  “It’s a damn tough life, full of toil and strife we whalerman undergo…”

Pause. Eyes wide open. I mumble the words again. Brennan’s bright blue eyes race for the words. 

He sucks in a breath and continues, “Once more we sail with a Northerly gale through the ice, and wind, and rain. Them coconut fronds, them tropical lands, we soon shall see again.”

We stop again. Brennan hums the tune.

“You know this happened with ‘Northwest Passage’ last year,” Thomas chides us.

“Put me in the shower and I can nail it,” I claim. 

“Have you sang it or have you SANG it?” Thomas asks.

“Just in the shower,” I admit.

Brennan and I are defeated, having failed the great Stan Rogers twice. Thankfully, Thomas saves us and begins another song. My embarrassment wavers as soon as Thomas returns to singing. Thanks, Thomas.

I lean back, and my eyes wander across the lit faces. Thomas sings, strumming his guitar vigorously. Captain Bray smokes a cigar, joining in for the chorus. Others mingle amongst themselves, using the music as a backdrop. A trio of young reenactors chat closer to the tents, barely visible. From across the fire, a kid watches it all. His ears soak up Thomas’ music, eyes darting to catch everything he can. 

I smile.