SHIP & CREW K152

by Tom Fugler

Plowing among the deep sounding furrows
The gallant Corvette nosed its way,
Herding freighters from various burroughs,
Searching, listening, all through the day.

Late came the dawn those cold winter mornings,
Silently crawling from dim rolling depths,
First streaks of light, like halos adorning,
Etching the convoy in dark silhouette.

Many long days she guarded the convoy,
Staunch ship in rough sea, dark sky overhead;
Watchdog of right, of freedom an envoy,
Proud of her part in the cause which she wed.

Small though she was, this veteran of battle
Nobly gave proof, to the world, of her worth;
Checking the slaughter of freighters like cattle,
Hunting and killing the scourge of the earth!

Men who have manner her, ... some now are still,
Rugged and brace men, heads held unbowed;
Brought her alive with a purposeful will,
Grim in their duty, dauntless and proud.

These left their homes, their love and their laughter
These themen who sailed off to make war,
These wre the men who asked for no quarter
Roving where duty and sacrifice were.

This was the ship and the proud men who manned her,
They guided the cargoes in mist and through storm,
They sailed at last, to moor in safe harbour,
Out of the pathos to the peach of the morn.