6. Sam, “The Old
Man of the Sea
The walrus is sometimes
thought of as the symbol of the Arctic. They are usually found above the Arctic Circle.
There are four major herds. Three herds are on Siberian (Russian) shores and the fourth herd
is in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. Baby walruses usually stay close to mother for two
years, and their food the first year is usually mother’s milk. This song tells the
adventures of a walrus known as Sam. It follows him from birth until the time he reaches
maturity.
There was a finfooted walrus,
off the coast of Bristol Bay,
He loved to roam in the water,
each Arctic night and day.
He happened to see a Miss Walrus,
so he decided to chat.
They fell in love and married at once,
now what do you think of that?
Now as the months swiftly passed,
and a small pup, Sam, was born,
He’d ride their backs while playing,
His energy never was worn.
He soon was a-roaming the Arctic,
And seeing the world alone,
He’s dive for clams and eat and eat,
Then float to the top and groan!
This was the way he discovered,
that to sleep he needed no bed,
Sammy could sleep as he floated,
and look like he was dead.
And this was the life that Sam lived.
For over thirty years,
An “OLD MAN OF THE SEA” he was,
mankind was his only fear.