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One day when all the
Navy
to a goodly crowd was
host
when it's gates were
opened widely
at each Navy Yard and
Post.
When crowds of friends-civilians
came from places far
and near
to view the mighty warships
that were tied to every
pier.
There passed before the
sentry
and sergeant of the guard
an old and gray-haired
fellow
who came hobbling in
the yard.
Whose gait was slow-unsteady,
his frame was bent and
frail,
his eyes were red and
weary,
his face was wrinkled
and pale.
His withered hand held
tightly
a small and wilted bouquet
of flowers that he's
gathered
on that Decoration Day.
Who, once inside the
gateway
forsook the milling throng.
He had no time for cruisers
or the battleships so
strong.
Instead he sought a vessel
that had lain for many
years;
neglected and forgotten
'mid deserted, crumbling
piers.
He trudged for what seemed
ages
'til he finally found
the slip
and his eager gaze had
centered
on a very ancient ship.
The sides of which were
rusty
and who's decks were
rotted through
her periscope bent and
twisted
and her rail was broken
too.
His eyes grew dim and
misty
as he gazed upon the
boat
He cried,"Old pal
I've found you"
then a lump came in his
throat.
He moved close to the
sub
'til he touched its barren
side
its presence seemed to
stir him
and unto the boat he
cried.
"We've had our times
old fellow"
in our younger days we
both
have weathered storms
together
and sailed pleasant seas,
my oath.
We've served our nation
nobly
with ne'er a thought
of self
but now we're both forgotten
and we've landed on the
shelf.
We're like the fabled
bridegroom
who's tiring of his bride
found greater use in
others
then cast his bride aside.
But still we share between
us
the memories of the past
and these will serve
to cheer us
for the short time that
we last.
To me you were a mother
and a friend and home
in one,
when tired I've often
slumbered
on you just like a son.
That's why I've paid
this visit
on this Decoration Day
and why I've brought
this token
and he held out the bouquet.
Before I take my parting
I will rest my body sore
in the old and tender
embrace
that I knew in days of
yore.
Then withoout further
prattle
he climbed over the sub's
side
he laid down to slumber
but ere the morning came,
he died.
They found his body later
and tho the old man's
race was done
the old sub still guarded
her beloved sailor son.
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