Dawn off the Foreland – the young flood making
Jumbled and short and steep –
Black in the hollows and bright where it’s breaking –
Awkward water to sweep.
“Mines reported in the fairway,
“Warn all traffic and detain.
” ‘Sent up Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
Gain.”
Noon off the Foreland – the first ebb making
Lumpy and strong in the bight.
Boom after boom, and the golf-hut shaking
And the jackdaws wild with fright !
“Mines located in the fairway,
“Boats now working up the chain,
“Sweepers – Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
Gain.”
Dusk off the Foreland – the last light going
And the traffic crowding through,
And five damned trawlers with their syreens blowing
Heading the whole review !
“Sweep completed in the fairway.
“No more mines remain.
” ‘Sent back Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
Gain.”
