This poem of Carl L. Rhodes, a retired master of the ammunition depot, was a favorite of Lorene Palmer Seward’s mother. It voices the longing that past residents have about Mare Island’s southshore. The lighthouse it speaks of used to be located on the jetty of Sandy Beach

BLACK PETER

Hear the vision of Black Peter,

Drowsing there upon the floor,

As he dreams of youthful prowling

‘Long Mare Island’s southern shore.

“How I’d like to leave this new home

Where I have no place to play,

And go back to my dear old home

By the waters of the bay.

“Where I grew from little kitten,

Grew until I was a cat.

Where I chased the snake and lizard,

Butterfly and mouse and rat.

“Where the great wide-open spaces

Gave me room in which to roam.

Ah! My thoughts are ever turning

To that dear old kitten home.

“Just to see that old salt water,

Just to hear the sea gull cry,

Just to feel that cooling sea breeze

In my cat fur ere I die.

“Just to see those quail a-running,

Just to hear that pheasant call,

Just to see that warship passing,

For this sight I’d give my all.

“Just to gaze toward Diablo

And that great Carquinez bridge.

Just to see those autos speeding

On the road atop the ridge.

“Just to see that beacon flashing

With its ever-changing ray.

Just to see those lights a-gleaming

‘Cross the waters of the bay.

“Just to hear that lighthouse siren,

Just to see that fog once more.

Just again alone to wander

‘Long that South Mare Island Shore.

=C. L. R.