Today we commerate the Battle of The Atlantic in Canada. Royal Canadian Navy coastal ships called Corvettes, escorted convoys on the high seas in any weather. The tole was staggering.


Holding Hands

She was always stylish
White hair cut and curled
In an impish joyful way
Stocky but not unflatteringly so
Dressed in summer frock and heels
Walking purposely

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE
WHOSE ARM HAS BOUND THE RESTLESS WAVE

The dinner commerating
The Battle of The Atlantic
Fewer in attendance each year
Families and vets remembering
Those who had found rest
In the deep, their shadows
Present here

WHO BIDD'ST THE MIGHTY OCEAN DEEP
IT'S OWN APPOINTED LIMITS KEEP

He walked beside her
Holding her hand as he had in '42
His Chief Petty Officer uniform spotless
Fitted perfectly medals and
Decorations profuse brilliant
Guiding her to a chair he stood
Behind her protectively

OH HEAR US WHEN WE CRY TO THEE
FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA

They had always held hands
Especially the day he left for war
His ship a corvette HMCS Regina
Convoy protection North Atlantic

O TRINITY OF LOVE AND POWER
OUR BRETHREN'S SHIELD IN DANGERS HOUR

The ceremony now repeated
Yearly for seventy years
Tolled a ships bell for all the
Vessels lost or damaged
Beyond repair
The ship's name called
It's end spoken the bell toll
A candle then extinguished

FROM ROCK AND TEMPEST FIRE AND FOE
PROTECT THEM WHERESOE'ER THEY GO

On and on the sonorous
Voice of the ranking officer
Called each ship and the bell tolled
Regina Corvette the officer called
She felt his hand as she rose
Together hand in hand they walked
Once more to the candle
He steadied her hand
She extinguished the flame
As the officer recited

Torpedoed August 08 1944
Lost all hands

THUS EVERMORE SHALL RISE TO THEE
GLAD HYMNS OF PRAISE FROM LAND AND SEA

The liturgy over
She walked With quiet dignity
To a waiting cab head high
Eyes moist in middle focus
His spirit at rest for another year
Alone each waits patiently
For him to once more hold her hand

AMEN





Poetry by josephus The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 865 times
Written on 2015-05-03 at 19:40

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chasingtheday The PoetBay support member heart!
a good poem, ah the sea, and love and time, all rolling together to create sighs. :)
2015-10-05


Wumbulu
As I am English (an island dweller) 'those in peril on the sea' was a standard hymn we 'sang' at school...I read this once as it is and then without the CAPS. Great write...IMHO a much better poem without them...I have no respect for religion (the most evil force on earth) in any form, including fascism, communism and nazism.
2015-06-10


F.i.in.e Moods The PoetBay support member heart!
You have a special way in the way you write and tell the stories that you present in your works, cher Joseph :) I always thoroughly enjoy - thanks.
2015-05-05


countryfog
"Lest we forget" . . . there is such reverence here, your love of the sea informing the care and keeping of the memories of those who perished in defense of perhaps the last noble purpose that united so many.
2015-05-04


Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
Very well written in memoriam. The spacing and readings make it echo in your mind. Lest we forget.
2015-05-04


shells
I love this hymn from my childhood and like Elle reach the 70th year of liberation from German rule on May 9th. You have written such a moving, eloquent account, it makes for a sad read, but so important to remember.
2015-05-03



I really love this:)
It has grace, style, absolute feeling and love.
It is so beautifully written with each section finding its place between the lines of prayer.
The title is perfect.
All in all a magnificent write which I shall revisit many times.
Thank you for this:)
2015-05-03


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
A wonderful write Joe, we this coming week reach our liberation from under German rule - I am busy with concerts and celebrations

Elle x
2015-05-03


ken d williams The PoetBay support member heart!
A great write , Joe. My father was on cover convey duty. H M S Anson.
Merchant navy cashaltis 4 out 4 died , U Bats just has hige percentages speaking.

Ken D
2015-05-03