Love Me Tender

When Glenn and Christine set to sea, intrepid and in love
He was her dauntless diver darling; she his tender topside dove.
And through the vagaries of life afloat, with storms and dirty socks
And only cranky, muffled roars from Glenn's communication box
Through the wind and sleet and driving hail, it could not be denied--
Through all we do, she always knew: her place was on Glenn's side.
She came to comprehend our friend, each aspect of his charm
And yet, despite the means and motive, she never did him harm.
Today we see the revelry, our dearest groom and bride
And celebrate one knot, at least, most elegantly tied.
A blessing for the plucky pair, and this is how it goes:
"May he always mind the comms, and may she never kink his hose."

This Is Only a Test!

Sea Fever

BY JOHN MASEFIELD

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sails shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.