The Midnight Watch

The Captain bellowed out the order, soon after the midnight bell; He said, "batten down the hatches boys, we're in for a night a hell. Seems storm force winds were brewin, a Nor-easter in all it's might; Sweeping down hard from Labrador, with no shelter in plain sight. The Deckies scrambled with precision, and gave each dog an extra heave; And never waivered from their duties, amidst the pounding seas. The water seeped in where ere it could, and the cookie stored the mess away; We all silently knew one truth, there be no last meal this day. The skipper yelled, "Hard into er", as the wheelsman yanked the helm around; The Mate watched into the blackness, so no rogue wave would bring us down. She blew herself out by mornin, and ragin seas became gentle rolls; And we silently gave thanks at breakfast, for we never lost one soul.