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.