Submarine

SUBMARINE

It was Navy Day on the River Tyne*
I can remember I was about nine.
Four big grey warships to be seen
And a small black submarine.
The big ships were truly splendid 
With  flags and lights. They reminded
Me of  olden days  when ships had sails
And lots of well-polished brass rails.

But the sub 
was  menacing.
Small,  black, 
Powerful.
Like a mamba snake. 
Inside it was tiny,
Comfort  reduced 
to minimum, 
For maximum ability
to attack.

The flotilla put to sea  together that evening
Flags a-flutter,  big and proud, fast-steaming
Bands were playing,   line-ahead formation.
Mighty, visible symbols of a naval nation.

But the sub 
went alone, 
and dived 
below 
the waves 
silently  -
waiting.

…………………………………………………………………………….

*River Tyne – a small but deep river in England, with extensive port facilities.

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James Fraser

Date: 1/15/2011 4:56:00 AM

Syd, this took me back to Portsmouth in 76' I was on a schooling trip to see the way the Royal Navy operated. We were given the chance to go on an old A-Class Diesel Sub. Blimey!! was it cramped inside or what. Men's men worked these silent hunters. Love your piece on the Submarine. Have a lovely weekend....:)