Manila Bay, Philippines 1944.
'Object in the water dead
Ahead, Sir, ' came the bow-watch
Report.
'Right rudder one degree.'
'Right rudder one degree, aye, Sir.'
'Stop all engines.'
'All engines stopped, Captain.'
By momentum, we glided
Past the object to our portside.
Floating, faceless,
Dressed in navy dungarees,
His torn body drifted by.
I had seen death before.
I gave little wonder
Until, between the fish feeding
On his flesh,
I saw a glint of gold
Reflecting from his wedding
Ring.
'All engines ahead two.'
'All engines ahead two, aye, Sir.'
I wonder now,
Does she still wonder
Too?
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Lynn, i have placed your poem in Section A, with the following addendum: Bri's Notes: I assume this refers to an incident during the Allied forces' efforts to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese (1944-45) . Which country's (or countries') boat and body are spoken of.....is a mystery to me. bri :)