Bourne High School - Canal Currents Yearbook (Bourne, MA)

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20 CANAL CURRENTS DIARY OF A SAILOR ABOARD THE -SANTA MARIA ’ Wednesday, 1492 Today I was standing on deck of the Santa Maria. I was sad and had given up all hopes of living and going back to Spain to see my aged mother. As I looked out at the water, 1 saw a bird flying over the boat with a twig in its mouth. A gasp escaped from my lips as I clutched at the railing before me. That meant land was near! I looked at the bird once again and hurried to tell Columbus. When I broke the news he shook my hand and I noticed that his eyes were wet with tears. I shall not give up hoping to see my mother again. Thursday More signs that we are heading towards land — towards India — and wealth! We sighted branches and grass in the water. The other sailors are half insane with happiness. When I reach India I shall get spices and gold for my mother. Columbus is happy too, but he is the only calm one. Friday We saw a red light shining in the direction of our destin- ation. As the light shone brighter, the sailors all knelt to pray, — they were so thankful. As I saw them look towards the flag of our homeland — Spain, — I knew, that they, like me, were thinking of the brave men that had died on the way. But soon they yelled and shouted, for — we, had reached land! Saturday As we reached the mainland, the natives stood on the shore waiting for us. They did not know how to welcome us at first, but when we gave them trinkets they greeted us with shouts and queer songs. Genevieve Ansaloni, ’39. BUREAU DRAWERS Bureau Drawers! What a queer title, — and yet, what a lot can be said about this subject. Wouldn’t it be quite amusing to be a “Bureau Drawer Inspector”? Do they have such things; — I don’t know, but perhaps there should be this type of Investigator as well as

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CANAL CURRENTS 19 The old man managed to force a smile for his sorrowful daughter. With an effort he spoke, “Portia, you are a good girl, deserving of the best in life. It would grieve me greatly if I were to die with the thought that you were to marry some money seeking rascal entirely undeserving of you.” The sick man paused. He went on with only the will power a dy- ing man can possess. “You will find in the library, three tiny boxes made of gold, silver and lead. The lead one contains your picture. The young man who chooses that casket has in him the goodly powers of manhood and will be a loyal, trustworthy fellow caring not for money, but your pure love. As soon as the young men start coming, as they are soon sure to do, show them the caskets and bid them choose. I am trusting in you, my dear child, to remain silent and not to influence them in any way toward choosing. That is my greatest wish for you. Do promise this. I am sure you will never in any way regret this queer method. It is best for you.” The kindly old fellow lay back exhausted. Portia real- ized the end had come and solemnly vowed to do as her father wished. She watched with a deadly calmness as her father, with a happy smile, passed into the world beyond. Who, upon seeing that look of utter contentment, could re- fuse any request? Certainly a loyal person like Portia could not. This her father probably knew. Thus: “It is a wise father that knoweth his own child.” Betsy Jean Small, ’40. FRIENDS Make new friends, but keep the old. These are silver; those are gold. Old friends are always best, They have stood time and test. Old friends are the best friends, They are always true. Find new friends and help them, You will like them, too. New friends are like new wine. But the old friends are most divine. Make new friends, but keep the old. These are silver; those are gold. H. T. Vancini, ’39.

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CANAL CURRENTS 21 all the others. What interesting experiences an Inspector of this type could relate. How interesting his work would be. There would be the dainty bureau of the teen-age Miss — very attractive outside but apt to be rather topsy-turvy with- in. How difficult it is to keep the hankies, ribbons, laces, powder boxes and trinkets separate! There would be the more masculine-type bureau of her older brother with his two or three drawers. Upon investi- gating one would likely find stockings, jack-knives, booklets, neckties, and perhaps a few letters and a few girls’ berets and scarfs. A little more jumbled up than his sister’s — but perhaps this is to find a “hiding place” for his various “fem- inine treasures”. Do brothers use their bureau drawers for a “treasure chest”? I never could find out! One might come across a very neatly assorted drawer — rather unusual and quite different from the previous types. Upon investigating — the owner would likely be a very “prim school-marm” or a so-called “maiden-lady”. Who else has time to keep their bureaus in order? Unless someone suggests having a Bureau Drawer Inspector I think that quite a few very interesting stories and experiences are going to be missed. Wouldn’t you like the job? Priscilla Davis, ’38. THE PIRATE Rodney Thomson’s etching of the “Pirate” is that of a kind, happy-go-lucky individual. High above his head in his hand, he holds his gayly plumed hat. On his head, worn under the hat, is a checkered bandanna tied in back. His heavy coal black beard covers most of his scarred face ex- cept his forehead, large nose and eyes, one of which is cov- ered with black cloth, the other closed in a vain attempt to wink, are plainly seen. His mouth is barely visible. Under his long coat decorated with buttons, large pockets and sleeve cuffs, is a fairly white shirt with bloused sleeves. From his sash protrudes the butt of a large pistol, in his right hand is a huge straight bladed sword on which he leans. His one good leg, the right, is bowed and garbed with pantaloons reaching below his knee and a light colored stocking continues into his low, heavy leather shoe. On this shoe is a buckle as large as his hand . A peg-leg serves for probably what a cannon ball took away. Grant Ellis, ’37.