To The Seamen

[Hobilar]

TO THE SEAMEN

You seamen, I have eaten your hard bread
And drunken from your tin, and known your ways;
I understand the qualities I praise
Though lacking all, with only words instead.

I tell you this, that in the future time
When landsmen mention sailors, such, or such,
Someone will say, "Those fellows were sublime
Who brought the Armies from the Germans' clutch."

Through the long time the story will be told;
Long centuries of praise on English lips,
Of courage godlike and of hearts of gold
Off Dunquerque leaches in the little ships.

And ships will dip their colours in salute
To you, henceforth, when passing Zuydecoote.

John Mansfield OM