Post by Administrator on Mar 12, 2017 23:14:55 GMT
THE EMPTY CHAIR
Mark me absent captain,
I'm afraid I can't be there.
Explain to all new shipmates
about the empty chair.
Talk to them of Dunkirk
D'Day and victory on the beach.
Tell them too of Arnhem
and the cost of that defeat.
Look to the men of the jungles
and the hell of the Far East War.
Know well the meaning of Friendship
and the value of Esprit De Corps.
Mark me absent Captain
I just can't make it tonight.
But drink to me in the mess lads
and to the days of our gallant fight.
Hold your pen there Captain,
lets get the minutes straight.
Mark that shipmate "Present"
though delayed, maybe late.
Look to the empty chair lads,
and know the reason why, we
formed this association that
these deeds should never die.
Yes drink in the mess tonight lads,
but let this be your toast.
That often the saddest memories
are the ones we treasure most.
Though wars in other countries,
still rage and never cease.
These shipmates we now honour
gave us sixty years of peace.
Their names are carved on many
stones in distant War Grave Fields.
They stand to show a spirit that
though broken did not yield.
Should we mark him absent
Do so if you dare. But before you
pen that entry, Look well
to the empty chair.
Published in the Bosuns Call 1989.
John Stephens, Skegness Branch
Royal Naval Association