Classic Poem

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 . "