I had met Charlie when he was performing at the Atlantic Inn situated on Liverpool’s Dock Road. In his message, the internationally famous balladeer expressed his admiration for my poetry. He also thanked me for my collection of maritime and romantic verse.
Sailors and seamen carried it across oceans. The seafarer’s folk song survived not because it was written down. It survived because it was sung and passed from voice to voice in fo’c’sles, docksides, and pubs.
‘The Leaving of Liverpool’ is a 19th‑century folk ballad. It is also a sea shanty, best known as a sailor’s lament. It speaks about parting from home and a loved one before a long voyage.
From the comparative safety of the liner’s wheelhouse, I tried with difficulty to hold the vessel on its course as the distressed vessel reared into the 100 mph-plus shrieking winds. Total focus was needed as like a cork in a storm the cargo vessel head-butted each massive oncoming wave.
The absence of a crew in innovative vessels reduces costs, improves performance and increases reliability. The design perfectly withstands long-term wear and tear, allowing the ships to remain stealthy and resilient to threats.
Trying desperately not to lose a grip on the chilling situation it crossed Julian’s mind that if an unseen force could control his flashlight and the vault’s temperature then it could cause the disappearance of the ladder and trapdoor. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he heard a slight thump. The trapdoor over his head had slammed shut.
The enfeebled Enzo Saporito was in no condition to resist as the neck of the container after Scarlett’s fingerprints had been wiped, was first pressed into his hand and then applied to his half-open lips. It was a small matter that required little assistance from his assassin.
These real and legendary celebrities included Frank Sinatra, Roy Rogers, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr, Tom Jones, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Harry Houdini. Ma’s is still a favourite haunt of performers from stage and screen.
Predominantly Christian their last poignant sight of Europe was the enigmatic Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas. Known as ‘The Sailor’s Church’ this sacred place of worship since 1250 had been a sentinel and lighthouse for those embarking and disembarking from thousands of vessels plying the high seas.
‘We enjoyed a celebrity status.’ His verse captures the soul of Liverpool as it was before the city was transformed. 3,000 copies of A Sea Veneer of Merseyside and Believing of Liverpool were sold out in weeks.
Michael Walsh Stories and Books 
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