On Patrol

by John Graham Bower

But the spokes are bright, and I note beside in the corner of my eye

A shimmer of light on oilskin wet that shows the Owner nigh—

Foggy and thick and a windy trick,

Carrying Starboard Ten.

Heave and sway or dive and roll can never disturb me now;

Though seas may sweep in rivers of foam across the straining bow,

I've got my eyes on the compass-card, and though she broke her keel

And hit the bottom beneath us now, you'd find me at the wheel—

In Davy's realm, still at the helm,

Carrying Starboard Ten.