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BLACK AND WHITE
BLACK AND WHITE
The skull and crossbones, in black and white
Recognised by all as pirates on the high seas
For many innocent victims, it caused a fright
Ordered on deck to get down on their knees
Sometimes, crew and others never survived
Booty taken and all such evidence destroyed
The pirates’ discipline was seen as contrived
With fair shares all round that they enjoyed
Then there was a new category of freebooter
With a royal grant to steal the enemy’s gold
But still, in the end, everyone was a looter
Some was kept for themselves, we are told
But in the first truly worldwide merchant fleet
That distinctive flag or ensign was an exemplar
Sailing under holy orders, and quite discreet
Vessels that belonged to the Knights Templar
Copyright ©
Howard Osborne
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