To the Signalman of the Watch
With my hands forcing a wind-beaten hatch
Out into a vast world of might and spray
Holding tightly to the storm lines, I latch
Rain gear lashing against my frame, I pray
Mountain of water rising and falling
Wind screaming through manmade tower of steel
Stagger dancing and towing, not walking
Saltwater flys into my eyes, I shield
Finally, the hatch lever in my grip
Squeezing into the Signal Shack, dog tight
Safe inside, warm and dry, poncho, drip, drip
Blue water and spray extinguish starlight
Night on watch, in a treacherous typhoon
The howling beast stalking my metal room
Out into a vast world of might and spray
Holding tightly to the storm lines, I latch
Rain gear lashing against my frame, I pray
Mountain of water rising and falling
Wind screaming through manmade tower of steel
Stagger dancing and towing, not walking
Saltwater flys into my eyes, I shield
Finally, the hatch lever in my grip
Squeezing into the Signal Shack, dog tight
Safe inside, warm and dry, poncho, drip, drip
Blue water and spray extinguish starlight
Night on watch, in a treacherous typhoon
The howling beast stalking my metal room
© Copyrights G. Jones 2006
Author's Comments:
This is a poem is based on my memories of duty aboard a navy destroyer.
No comments:
Post a Comment