David Palethorpe

Why do men go to sea

Is a question often asked

Is it by design is it a plan

Or because they have – 

No sense to stay on land

And when the seaman returns

He is treated with contempt

They keep him on the run

All because his language-

Tends to be rough and strong

And he’s fond of a slug of rum

So here’s to the seamen and stokers 

The chippies and greenies all

Who venture out to sea

Who feel the oceans call