Towed by a trio of rowboats
their tethers almost acting like chains
the aging man-o-war makes her final journey
all her life she served her country well
but now in her old age she may be abandoned
by those she fought to protect
Only the main mast still stands tall
the dirty white holed and torn sails
hang useless from their yards
the fore and mizzen masts drag behind
attached only by the rigging
acting almost as an anchor
but are only delaying the inevitable
The gun ports are all fastened closed
as though the ship doesn't want to see its end
the cannons that remain sit in silence
they will not speak up in her defence
Her green and black hull is in need of repair
there are many holes caused by direct hits
from cannon and carronade fire
stare accusingly at the silent watchers
daring them to say a word against her
for though she may be a shadow of her younger self
she still commands respect from all
but that may not be enough to save her
from what may be coming next
Finally she is eased into the dry dock
and the decisions about her future can begin
whether she lives on or not
depends on the actions of others
she has defended them all her life
but who will step up and protect her
now it is time for her to die
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem