I wrote this poem and dedicated it to my father, Albert LaJoice, who worked for 40 years on the Chief Wawatam.
Chief Wawatam
I have kerfed the clear blue waters
Of the Straits of Mackinac
With my hull of solid steel.
Time has worn my keel raw.
I have cut the calm and crystal surf
and flexed my decks in blazing sun,
I rested in my wooden berth,
While weary from each run.
I was once the mighty champion,
Carving channels through the ice,
I've been moored in ice rows
That near crushed me like a vise.
I have braved the dread nor'westers
and have grounded on the reef,
I have loved each one who sailed me,
I was their mighty Chief.

Robert J. LaJoice
St. Ignace