Tin Can Navy

She is cool gray steel, slicing darkest sea
Crewed by crazed youngsters, both man and woman
Quiet and deadly, in following seas, free
No light above, but the Moon and Orion

Coffee, cigarette, red night lights aglow
I, reading Conrad, lookouts are all set
Only sounds of the sea and radio
Always watchful for contacts to be met

She patrols her night box for rogue raiders
Giant turbines in her belly turn with snap
The night cook prepares mid watch cheese sliders
Chaplin says night prayer, Boats plays taps

She was built for fast work anytime or place
I sit on watch, red light bathing my face

© Copyrights G. Jones 2006

Night steaming in the Indian Ocean

Author's Note: Sailor's Sonnet Series