
The Spill
Reaper Screaming in the Gulf
Mark Bosarge
Mark Bosage is a direct descendant of the founders of Bayou La Batre, Alabama. His ancestors harvested oysters like the Indians; his family has had a continuous presence in the seafood industry to this day. This includes a shrimp cannery, crab shops, an oyster shucking and steaming operation and ownership of at least 20 large shrimp boats, both steel & wood, between them. In years past the relatives who left to work in other areas would always come back and catch food to survive like the Indians. Mark says that is gone and it is like God has shut a door on his time-honored gift; they all pray God will reopen this door. Mark lives in Mobile, Alabama.
A gentle Zephyr upon the water
Making little caps of white
A sudden rumble from the rig
Then a fireball in the night
People on the bayou slept so sweet
A new season drawing nigh
Little could they even dream
That the stakes would be so high
The reaper was screaming in the Gulf
Calling everybody’s name
Hardship was making its killing list
For things would never be the same
The oil was flowing freely
Futures dying each helpless day
Eyes and ears glued to the tube
To what heartbreak had to say
Everyone was pointing fingers
Blaming the other for the lorn
Fishing families’ eyes had tears
It was their lives being torn
Their government was making promises
Politicians and what they say
But the brown was killing their heritage
Inching closer by the day
They prayed into the heavens
For God to hear their prayer
Then suddenly the well was capped
Now no one seems to care
The cleanup crews are drawing down
And things that have no rhyme
Decisions now that make no sense
Just a lull for death in time
When Jesus started picking his crew
It was fisherman that he chose
And after two thousand years
Fisherman still here, don't ya’ know
No matter decisions made by man
Whether for money or the vote
It will be our Lord and Savior
Who plays the final note.