Blackbeard Blockades Charleston

A man named Teach, they called him Blackbeard,
With sword in hand, he did succeed.
As the undefeated Edward, he rose,
Pillaging towns and taking control,
His warship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, a mighty ghostly shadow across the seas.

In April, seventeen eighteen, Charleston’s wealth was renowned,
Yet undefended, not a single guard.
The town thrived with goods and gold,
But this bountiful life would soon be sold,
For darkness loomed, the pirate king had chosen his mark.

Just outside the harbor entrance he stayed,
The warship Queen Anne’s Revenge in tow.
Those who dared enter or leave were captured,
Faced with a fate that was most ill-fated,
As Blackbeard laid claim to the port, his ruthless reign begun.

Ship after ship fell into his grasping hands,
None could escape his mighty grip.
Those on board would be held as hostage,
For Blackbeard’s demands would not be slacked,
All those on board would live or die depending on the town’s decision.

Into Charleston he sent his warning,
“I hold your fate, your gold and life!
Pay me ransom or you will suffer,”
A chest of medicines was his request,
For the safety of the town, they’d have no choice but to comply.

Fear gripped the hearts and minds of Charleston folk,
As they weighed the cost of Blackbeard’s demand.
The chest of medicines held healing power,
But would it stop his grasping tower?
They knew that more bloodshed could come to their land.

A few days passed as they gathered the fee,
The chest of medicines was sent forth.
Blackbeard received his prize, a small price to pay,
And he set the captives free in Charleston’s bay,
As relief spread through town, freedom returning with the tide.

Though Blackbeard gained control for just a moment,
Charleston knew his fearsome power.
He left behind tales of his conquests,
Forever etched in its history as the worst,
But the pirate king had gone, on to sail darker waters.

Though the blockade ended, his legend remained,
A lesson for all who dared sail the seas.
The town of Charleston rebuilt its defenses,
As a warning to pirates and their offenses,
Blackbeard’s mark on history would never cease.

And so, the tale of Blackbeard Blockading Charleston,
A testament to his ruthless power and reign;
His story passed from one generation to another,
As a reminder that even in dark times,
Strength can prevail over fear and pain.

.