I Stood the Mid-Watch

The ship plies the waters of the Pacific,
As calm as the name of the sea she sails.
Safe and secure within the peace of quiet,
Eyes and ears aware, because I stood the Mid-Watch.

Others may sleep and dream of life ashore,
And feel the arms of those they love.
Underway without concern or fear,
Free of dread, while I stood the Mid-Watch.

Early to bed, get the rest I need,
Messenger rouses, so I will be on time.
Mid-rations and coffee, to clear the webs,
So that I could be alert, while I stood the Mid-Watch.

Most of the crew hate the interruption of slumber,
The staggering, mind numbing struggle to wake
From Orpheus' peaceful realm at midnight,
To climb the ladder to the bridge, where I stood the Mid-Watch.

But seldom do I sleep more hours than four.
And then become drowsy after another four.
That circadian rhythm that frees me from the norm,
And allows me to stand the Mid-Watch.

Early supper, rations at night,
Late breakfast, make my night complete,
And then the normal work of a normal day,
So I will be ready to stand the Mid-Watch.

Weather may be foul, seas may be high,
Winds may fling salt spray in our teeth,
It matters not the bite of cold,
It matters only that someone, I, stands the Mid-Watch.

A quarter to four, my relief arrives,
Another night spent at rest.
Eight hours of sleep, a needed respite,
While I stood the Mid-Watch.

I enjoy from twelve to four,
Left alone, to scan the horizon,
Lookouts and messengers aware,
While we stand the Mid-Watch.

Three on the bridge, three in CIC,
Four in the enginerooms,
Coffee and cigarettes to keep us awake,
Ten men, who all stand the Mid-Watch.

Ten out of seventy gently sleeping souls,
In comfort, knowing all is serene,
The Ship, the Fleet, the Nation are safe,
Because we stood the Mid-Watch.