Thursday 1 August 2013

Action Stations

“Action Stations ! “ -- Tin hats and apprehension
Rush to guns and hoses, engine room
And wireless office - Air of tension.
Eyes uplifted, and some seawards gazing.
Ears are straining for a distant “boom”
Or sound of engines. Lips are phrasing
Prayers maybe, or curse upon the Hun.
Friendly aircraft in the distance loom
And are gone. Minutes pass. - “Carry On”.







H.M.T.Norse
17 July 1940


First Published 1943 - More Poems from the Forces {Routledge]