LEAVING

Many exercised their creative talents during downtime on patrol by writing poetry or prose. Here's a spot to share yours.
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rmbowen
Posts: 61
Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:25 pm
First Name: Roy
Last Name: Bowen
Crew?: Both
Which Years on Board: 1967-1971
Special Crew?: Neither
Rate: EM2(SS/DV)

LEAVING

Post by rmbowen »

Whether one was leaving from the barracks or from home, I believe every Submariner can identify with my memories in this poem.

LEAVING
My seabag is packed and ready;
It stands stiffly beside the door.
The boat and her crew lie waiting
Off a lonely distant shore;
She yearns to return to deep water
To escape the light of day.
Impatiently, she waits for my return
As men hurry to get underway.
Soon, I'll walk through that door-
For daylight is breaking now-
With seabag on my shoulder,
I'll salute as I cross her brow.
Then she will head north to rejoin the fight
In this silent, cold, cold war.

Roy Mack Bowen
SSBN627 1967 -1971

October 13, 2016
R.M. Bowen EM2(SS/DV)
1967-1970 blue crew April 1970-1971 gold crew
JT-STS627g
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 3:55 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Horner
Crew?: Gold
Which Years on Board: 1970-74
Special Crew?: Neither
Rate: STS2(ss)

Re: LEAVING

Post by JT-STS627g »

Just beautiful Roy. I think you captured the feeling perfectly. It was always somewhat of a lonely feeling. I think we Submariners share a different perspective of the Cold War than that of the younger generations that believe it was a big farce or hoax. It was a job. We took our job seriously with a lot of pride. We were up against a very real enemy. It was a deadly serious business and we knew if the order came, the missiles would fly.
JT
Sonar gang '70-'74 Gold
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KellyJoeRay
Posts: 70
Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:06 pm
First Name: Kelly Joe
Last Name: Ray
Crew?: Blue
Which Years on Board: 1974-79
Special Crew?: Neither
Rate: MM
Contact:

Re: LEAVING

Post by KellyJoeRay »

Yeah...that was the toughest part of being a Silent Service Sailor...That plane ride to Holy Loch...That goodbye at the airport...I Think you crushed it Roy Boy...WETSU...We ALL became Qualified Submariners because football, baseball and basketball all only requires one ball... :lol:
K.J. Ray MM1/SS Ret.
Blue Crew 1974-1979
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