Talk to Me

From our 19th century historian, Eudora Dickinson:

Today, September 19th, is "Talk Like a Pirate Day" -- but while it's all fun and games for most, do you know even know the history of the day?

"Talk Like a Pirate Day" began in 1883 when Adolphus Alcott Chamberlain, a world-renowned stage actor and president of the Emmett Lee Dickinson International Society (a precursor to the Dickinson Organization of Poetry Enthusiasts),  created a week's worth of "Talk Like" days in honor of Emmett Lee Dickinson and his poetry.  The first day of the week-long event was "Talk Like a Pirate Day," inspired by Dickinson's poem  "On this wondrous sea – sailing gallantly" (below on the left). Dickinson's poem motivated third cousin Emily to pen her poem "On this wondrous sea - sailing silently" (below on the right).

Pictured at the right:  World famous stage actor Adolphus Alcott Chamberlain, a past president of the Emmett Lee Dickinson International Society and the creator of "Talk Like a Pirate Day" (and other "Talk Like" days). 
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By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
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On this wondrous sea – sailing gallantly –
Ho! Pirate! Ho!
Knowest thou the talk
Where the clippers dock
Where me Hearties walk?
 
In the lookout Nest
Blimey – the sails are vast –
Our schooner’s fast.
Jack tar I’m pirate-y
Land! Ho! Ahoy Matey!
Ashore! Avast!

By Emily Dickinson:
 
On this wondrous sea - sailing silently -
Ho! Pilot! Ho!
Knowest thou the shore
Where no breakers roar -
Where the storm is o'er?

In the silent West
Many - the sails at rest -
Then anchors fast.
Thither I pilot thee -
Land! Ho! Eternity!
Ashore at last!

Below:  All of the various days in Adolphus Alcott Chamberlain's week-long series of "Talk Like" days:

September 19:     Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 20:     Talk Like a Pilot Day
September 21:     Talk About Pyrite Day
September 22:     Talk Like a Private Day
September 23:     Talk LIke a Psychic Day
September 24:     Tallk Like a Parrot Day
September 25:     Talk Like a Parent Day