For days I languished, freezing, drifting upon high seas
Slowly, shamefully dying, about to pay the devil his fee

In my stupor I hear a shrill course shout, an impossible sound
'Man overboard!' came the call, I realize that I was found

I was plucked from the clutches of the roiling foam tipped waves

The hands of five Mariners reached down and lifted me from my grave

Aboard the trawler, Mary Ellen, who herself and crew will soon be lost

I grovel my thanks through chattering teeth, and from a beard sealed with frost

I lay as a swaddled babe, a makeshift stretcher to the galley they carry me

And from that day, for ever more, Grief, Sorrow and shame kept me company

To the Mary Ellen's crew I told a story, my shameful act was hidden

They Looked at me with doubtful eyes, and quickly I was shunned