Navy Poet George Brann Wrote to Love From Distant Shores
A descendant recently found a collection of love poems written by the Gulfport Gabber founder during his service in the 1940s and 1950s.
By Meera Fletcher ·
George Brann, who founded The Gabber Newspaper in 1968, served in the U.S. Navy and wrote a series of love poems during his time at sea. The verses, written in the late 1940s and early 1950s, describe the physical distance between the sailor and his partner.
A descendant of Brann discovered the collection among his personal papers earlier this year. The documents were not part of the newspaper's public record. The poems reveal a side of the founder that the community had not seen. They focus on the emotional toll of military deployment.
The writing style is simple and direct. Brann uses natural imagery to express his feelings. He mentions the sea, the stars, and the night sky. These elements serve as the backdrop for his longing. The poems are signed with his name and his affiliation with the U.S. Navy.
In one poem titled Goodnight, Brann describes a slow passing day. He stands on a far off land and thinks about his partner. He watches the stars appear in the twilight. He sees his partner's face in one bright star. He speaks to her in the dream of the night.
Another poem, I Miss You, lists the reasons for his sorrow. He is alone beneath a star lit sky. The waves rush to the beach and crickets sing. A radio plays music that would be perfect for two people. He prays for his partner every night. He promises to love her for his life.
In Dreams, Brann searches the sky for a star to make a wish. He wishes to be back with his partner to hold her in his arms. He writes a letter that leaves his pen. He tells her he loves her and misses her more each day. He falls asleep and meets her face to face in his mind. They plan future things and dance to old songs.
An untitled poem describes a shot of starlight chased with the moon. Christmas is one week away, but the sailor feels it is June. A breeze comes from the sea and flowers are in bloom. He imagines his partner in a wedding gown and himself as the groom. He dreams from taps until reveille, holding her tight in his mind.
A final poem, My Friendly Cabin, describes a home beside a stream. Brann envisions a life of peace with his partner. They would live there and later have a baby. He imagines friends spending the day at the house. He offers his heart to his partner and asks for a yes. He wants to say I do until death parts them.
