'Paid Off' Poem by A. P. Herbert

Haul down the flag, and put the guns ashore:
Poor boat, they do not need you any more.
But never mind. Here is the old burgee:
Now you can have your lady-friends to tea.
You shall be painted like a peace-time boat,
And go to Oxford in your Oxford coat.
You shall go cruising with the Sarah Jane,
And take the family for rides again,
And show your scars, and boast a bit, maybe:
'I was a warship in the King's Navee.
I saw old London River face the foe:
I saw the devil come to town—and go.'
April 1, 1945