O Captain my Captain! Our fearful
trip is done,
The ship has weathered every rack,
the prize we sought is won.
The port is near, the bells I hear, the
people all exulting...

Just after I saw the sad news last Monday on the Martha’s Vineyard Poetry Society Facebook page of William Waterway’s death last Monday, just after I had read the beautiful tribute poem Barbara Pope Peckham wrote in Bill’s honor, just after all this, I could not get Walt Whitman’s 1865 poem for Abraham Lincoln out of my mind. I think of William, I think of him as the captain of our fleet of poets. Who will lead us now?

His contributions to the Island’s body, mind and spirit are many and exemplary. I know you have all heard of his thoughtful and much needed work with clean water, his artistic skills with poetry and cultural events. But Bill also held a special place in our hearts in our neighborhood as the champion of Rupert, our beloved rooster, mired in local controversy some years ago. William was dedicated to our cause. He interviewed and filmed Rupert and us, and was working on a movie featuring our beloved star. I quote the last lines of the poem that reminds me of him so much:

The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage close and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won,
Exult O shores and ring O bells! But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies, fallen cold and dead.

Sail on, William Waterway! Safe harbors.

Too much sad news on the Island this week. I also noted the passing of Buzzy Blankenship, locksmith par excellence, friend to all, and dedicated to his family, friends and profession. How many times have we stood outside a locked house, a locked car, a locked office and waited while Buzzy arrived, always rapidly, to lead us out of our predicaments. And always when he was doing work for me he spoke glowingly of his family. Our condolences to Buzzy and to all of us.

Don’t forget our library’s annual run/walk this weekend. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. Register before that day and you will save $5. There will be T-shirts and prizes and lots of fun!

The First Baptist Church on William street is having its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday Oct. 10. I am informing you now because vendors are invited to rent a table/space for a mere $25. No one throws a party like the First Baptist Church! The Oktoberfest features jewelry, crafts, art, books, recycled items, local vegetables and flowers. Call 508-693-1539 to reserve your spot. The party runs from noon to 3 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Well, you won’t see me casting for the 70th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, but a big welcome goes out to all participants. While the derby hosts the usual suspects, we especially welcome any newcomers to our annual event. One of my first jobs on the Island was working at the old Chamber of Commerce. We helped with the weigh in every night of the derby at the dock in Oak Bluffs. Great fun!

Confidential to Lyn K: Nonna just finished reading Fire Lover by Joseph Wambaugh, an amazing true story about, you guessed it, arson in southern California. I have followed Mr. Wambaugh since his debut of The Onion Fields. Some of his tales are fiction, some true, and all are gripping. It is my turn to read Fire Lover now.

Welcome to Grace Schrafft who will be on Island for the end of September and possibly a bit into October. Grace is a Renaissance woman, acupuncturist, poet and all around interesting friend of ours from Boston. She gets to the Island about once a year.

Get well wishes go out to Jim Hart.

Belated birthday wishes to my buddies, Jessica and Walter, fraternal twins who celebrated on Sept. 15.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Peg Manahan Regan Friday. Sept. 19 is shared by Lauren Barlosky and Joan Glodis. Sept. 20 belongs to Pete Sawyer and Lanny McDowell. Sept. 21 shines on Terry Gramkowski, Amanda Schwab and Clarence “Trip” Barnes. Sept. 22 honors Tawnya McLeod, Nate Thayer and Michael Levandowski. Sept. 23 is claimed by Karen Mercier. And on Sept. 24 Judy Federowicz takes the cake. Many happy returns.