Going Down with the Ship

Standing outside the bridge, the officer

Looked wistfully into the moonless sky;

Whelmed by nature’s apathetic power

He assumed that most if not all would die.

By this hour all had the same knowledge

Not the hows or whys, but the conclusion;

Whether berthed in first class or in steerage

No one was under any delusion.

He sensed the Captain approach from behind,

In silence they watched the frantic struggle;

Though urgent terror reigned they stood resigned

Watching unfold the law of the jungle.

The gloom encircled them in the starry night

As the orchestra played Lead, Kindly Light.

March 2016