Reminiscence poetry

The storm

The storm which crossed the German ocean Had struck our coast at dawn
The wheeling gulls, the foam flecked yawning troughs Like devils spawn.
The rockets woke me from deep sleep. Sea boots and oilskins on.
The last man in the shed had struck the pin.
We launched and then were gone Across the bar and then the open sea.
Yet those who have their feet fixed firmly on the land Would find it very hard to understand,
The fearsome power of the Almighty's hand Something which we beach men face and comprehend Knowing that each time we launch could mean our end.
But not this time, for we could see her Anchors lost and running with the gale Driving down towards us from the Nor'ard Near enough to see their faces pale
The next wave took us close enough to throw a line
She was a coaster with a crew of five
We came in underneath her lee, they leapt aboard
We pulled away, and they thanked God they were alive
Once more we turned towards the harbour
The piers now lined with silent throng
Until the cry went up that all were saved
And then as one we heard them singing
The hymn that always binds the brave.
Eternal father strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave.