No cross of Iron, just of wood

[Administrator]

No cross of Iron, just of wood, I cast of the Old Head,
a simple tribute as I could to the “Glorious dead”
Three remembrances on the day, I penned each cross with ink,
Each bore a reference to a ship and a lost relative in the brink.
No Shamrock or the clover, if put upon the sea,
could represent Kinsale men, that helped keep our Country free.
My ancestors were all Irish, U-boats ensured we would never meet,
They bravely served a Nation, ensuring no defeat.
These men did hail from Kinsale, from the Emerald Island many more:
Putting the troubles behind them, they attempted to help settle the score.
They joined in to keep the “LIFE LINES OPEN” and helped to win in a war,
No shamrocks or clover to thank them, but then again who foresaw
the many brave Irish, not coming back to his Celtic shore:
K.

[Administrator]

I offer thus a simple prayer to
Merchant Seamen everywhere.
Allied brothers and also sons,
even ladies and young ones,
Father, son and holy ghost,
forever watch over, these the most.
As began there was hardly a day,
a Merchant ship was not blown away,
Please, look down upon them
and save, our very brethren of the wave
A simple tribute I do plea, to all
in peril on the sea,
It is so important to remember, a
tribute on the 3rd of September.
For those that simply can pass by,
for those that do not care,
For those that simply have forgot,
they have a life elsewhere!
For those that may have never
known or even steer away,
Please spare a thought especially
on this Merchant Navy Day.
Whether lost in enemy action,
torpedo, gun or plane,
The effect on those left behind,
would never be the same.
Bad enough to lose a loved one,
but was it all in vain.
They perished to save a Nation,7
THE ENEMY HAVE THE BLAME.
Many in conflict, sailed across
the sea All they ask was
“Remember Me”.
Beneath the Ocean, some remain,
A Merchant Force, (in prayer) at home again.
KG
I actually, forgot about this one I penned, not great but I am not a poet.
Thanks to the New Zealand Company of Master Mariners: Tauranga Branch for
reminding me.