Leadfingers-

There really are some good poems to work with from these poets. They are not all keepers but some do a great job of "filling in the gaps" within the nautical repertoire. I also agree that the works of C. Fox Smith are a good standard to judge these poems by.

I've learned a bit more about Burt Franklin Jenness. He is evidently a stretch as an "old sailor-poet." Here's my biographical sketch:

Burt Franklin Jenness was born in New Hampshire in 1895. He prepared for his medical career at Dartmouth Medical College, the University of Southern California, Boston University, and the Naval Medical School, Washington, D.C. Dr. Jenness served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during World War 1, earning the retirement rank of Lieutenant Commander (Medical Corps) U. S. Navy. Creative writing was one of his major hobbies as is shown by his books of poetry – together with publications in magazines, newspapers and anthologies.

Dr. Jenness's major poetry books include:

SERVICE RHYMES (p. 1917)
MAN-O'-WAR RHYMES (p. 1918)
SEA LANES (p. 1921)
OCEAN HAUNTS (p. 1934)
SPINDRIFT AND SAGEBRUSH (p. 1960)

After retiring from the U. S. Navy, Dr. Jenness worked as Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Texas Western College, as an Official Instructor of First Aid for the American Red Cross and became Director Emeritus of Health Service for Texas Western College. He retired to El Paso, Texas, where he died in 1971.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble