Naval Poetry

Poetry of any form relating to the Navy
Karen
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:11 pm
Location: Cambridge

Naval Poetry

Unread post by Karen »

I am standing upon that foreshore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, ‘There! she’s gone.’ ‘Gone where ?’ ‘Gone from my sight,that’s all.’
She is just as large in mast and spar and hull as ever she was when she left my side; just able to bear her load to the place of her destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her, and just at that moment when someone at my side says, ‘There! She’s gone,’.
There are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
‘Here she come!’.
There’s Nothing A British Boy Cannot Do
User avatar
Pelican
Posts: 9745
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

A little early:

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a Tin Can with racks tight and small,
In a 30 man mess deck cramped in, one and all.
I had come down the funnel with presents to give,
To see in this War Canoe who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the mess squared away,
This was the Royal Navy Sailor today.
This was the Hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realised the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors so willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."
I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by Honour and Code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch, not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honour so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
User avatar
ivorthediver
Posts: 3659
Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:42 pm
Location: Cambridge Shore Battery

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by ivorthediver »

Well done David ....early or not ,
A right Naval message to take to our Cot
Tis oft said rhymes have no place today
To that my reply is only " BELAY "

It cheers up the many and makes us feel warm
Whilst others will only deliver their Scorn
So lets be optimistic and be ready to smile
The Navy will guard us at least for a while

I hope forever, at least ,while I drink my ToT
If we rally together against that other lot
Our Forums now born and it seems secure
So now we can post again.. just like afore
"What Ever Floats your Boat"
User avatar
jbryce1437
Posts: 1879
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:28 pm
Location: Roker, Sunderland

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by jbryce1437 »

ivorthediver wrote: Sat Oct 06, 2018 5:18 pm Well done David ....early or not ,
A right Naval message to take to our Cot
Tis oft said rhymes have no place today
To that my reply is only " BELAY "

It cheers up the many and makes us feel warm
Whilst others will only deliver their Scorn
So lets be optimistic and be ready to smile
The Navy will guard us at least for a while

I hope forever, at least ,while I drink my ToT
If we rally together against that other lot
Our Forums now born and it seems secure
So now we can post again.. just like afore
Well done Ivor, poet laureate :D

Jim
HMS Raleigh 1963 , HMS Collingwood 1963 & 67 , HMS Ark Royal 1964-7, HMS Undaunted 1968-71, HMS Victory (Fleet Maintenance Group) 1971-72, HMS Exmouth 1972-74
JEM, EM, OEM, LOEM, POOEL
Then 28 years in the Fire Brigade
Retired since 2002
User avatar
Pelican
Posts: 9745
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

WHEN I WAS IN THE NAVY

When I was in the Navy, I wanted to be out,
No more daily orders, no more P.O's shout,
No more middle watches, no more skippers rounds,
No more swing of hammocks. no more tannoy sounds.
No more pussers dhobi, no more number ones,
No more saluting officers, no more bangs of guns,
No more jackstay transfers, no more RAS at night,
No more heaving rough seas, no more brass so bright.
No more action stations, no more pussers kye,
No more call the hands, no more bread so dry.
No more noisy engines, no more lifebouy ghost,
No more seven days number nines, no more mail to post.
But when I'd left the Navy and settled down outside,
The bad times soon forgotten, the tales I'd tell with pride,
Now I miss the things I've seen and done, and it doesn't seem so bad,
In fact I'd recommend the life to any enquiring lad.
I miss borrowing clothes for a run ashore. even if they didn't fit,
I miss a dinner time sesh, and rabbit runs, and movie runs and more.
I miss the messdeck lawyers, banyans, and the messdeck bore.
I miss make and mends and long weekends, and the rush to catch the train
I miss the mates I had, now lost touch, but hope to meet again,
I miss the arguments at tot times, sippers, gulpers, and Queens,
I miss travelling the world, seeing things that civvies could only dream
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
User avatar
Pelican
Posts: 9745
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

True?

When I was in the Navy, I wanted to be out,
No more daily orders, no more P.O's shout,
No more middle watches, no more skippers rounds,
No more swing of hammocks. no more tannoy sounds.
No more pussers dhobi, no more number ones,
No more saluting officers, no more bangs of guns,
No more jackstay transfers, no more RAS at night,
No more heaving rough seas, no more brass so bright.
No more action stations, no more pussers kye,
No more call the hands, no more bread so dry.
No more noisy engines, no more lifebouy ghost,
No more seven days number nines, no more mail to post.
But when I'd left the Navy and settled down outside,
The bad times soon forgotten, the tales I'd tell with pride,
Now I miss the things I've seen and done, and it doesn't seem so bad,
In fact I'd recommend the life to any enquiring lad.
I miss borrowing clothes for a run ashore. even if they didn't fit,
I miss a dinner time sesh, and rabbit runs, and movie runs and more
I miss the messdeck lawyers, banyans, and the messdeck bore.
I miss make and mends and long weekends, and the rush to catch the train
I miss the mates I had, now lost touch, but hope to meet again,
I miss the arguments at tot times, sippers, gulpers, and Queens,
I miss travelling the world, seeing things that civvies could only dream.
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
User avatar
Pelican
Posts: 9745
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

After If:

"Another Kipling poem. How many of us have found, during our time served, a mate who stands above all others, who would do anything for you. And you for him. A man in a thousand."

One man in a thousand, Solomon says.
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it's worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you.

'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for 'ee.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go
By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.

But if he finds you and you find him,
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk
Than he uses yours for his spendings,
And laugh and meet in your daily walk
As though there had been no lendings.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man he's worth 'em all
Because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right,
In season or out of season.
Stand up and back it in all men's sight
With that for your only reason!

Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide
The shame or mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the gallows-foot - and after!
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
User avatar
ivorthediver
Posts: 3659
Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:42 pm
Location: Cambridge Shore Battery

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by ivorthediver »

Prophetic words if ever there were David .
"What Ever Floats your Boat"
User avatar
Pelican
Posts: 9745
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

HMS She - see - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/0 ... Xt-gyVizwk

Are Ships She, He, or It, and Does it Matter?
There has been a minor hub-bub of late over the decision by the Scottish Maritime Museum to use gender-neutral references to ships after vandals have scratched out references to “she” several times on museum displays. Putting aside the question of whether vandals are the best choice for dictating museum policies, the museum is not alone in moving to gender-neutral labeling for ships. Lloyd’s List, the more than 280-year-old publication has been referring to ships as “it” rather than as “she” since 2002.
Not surprisingly, not everyone is happy with the change. The Telegraph reports that supporters of the museum expressed their dismay on social media. “This isn’t how it works. You don’t get to erase history, and like it or not ships have always been referred to as she,” said Jennifer Sorbara.
Continues at - http://www.oldsaltblog.com/2019/04/are- ... more-52233

From Robert Lawrence ex Royal Navy:
Why is a ship a "she"? We always call a ship a "she" and not without a reason.
For she displays a well-shaped knee regardless of the season.
She scorns the man whose heart is faint and doesn't show him pity.
And like a girl she needs the paint to keep her looking pretty.
For love she'll brace the ocean vast, be she a gig or cruiser.
But if you fail to tie her fast you're almost sure to lose her.
On ships and dames we pin our hopes, we fondle them and dandle them.
And every man must know his ropes or else he cannot handle them.
Be firm with her and she'll behave when skies are dark above you.
And let her take a water wave - praise her, and she'll love you.
That's why a ship must have a mate; she needs a good provider.
A good strong arm to keep her straight, to comfort her and guide her.
For such she'll brace the roughest gales and angry seas that crowd her.
And in a brand new suit of sails no dame looks any prouder.
The ship is like a dame in that she's feminine and swanky;
You'll find the one that's broad and fat is never mean and cranky.
Yes ships are ladylike indeed, for take them altogether
the ones that show a lot of speed can't stand the roughest weather.
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
User avatar
ivorthediver
Posts: 3659
Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:42 pm
Location: Cambridge Shore Battery

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by ivorthediver »

Well spoken eh ......typically by a sailor ;)
"What Ever Floats your Boat"
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “Naval Poetry”