HAND, ROPE AND WIND

VERSE 1 OF THE ART OF NAVY POEM WRITTEN BY ANDY SINGH

Long before we had our own Ships, the first element of Naval Power was always in our hands.

On the beach, the ropes pass through our hands from the Reel to rescue us.

On the harbour, our hands hold the Ropes and Guide our Skiff from Mosman to Manly.

In the port, our hands toss the heaving line as the Grafton Steamer arrives from up north.

with our hands, we connect with rope, wood and canvas, to the power of wind, wave and current.

With our hands, we learn the power of Competence, of Commitment and of Courage.

a fleet in being, background for a pretty Sunday picnic, Latent and Lazy, as potential power seeps away.

But a Boat at Sea, rope in hand, waves crested, skills learnt, destinations reached, courage tested.

Power has always been in our hands. They remain gnarled, steady and ready.

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