Life-Raft
The water’s a cold gasp
as you plunge feet first
from the side of the ship.
The drag of boots
you’d not thought to remove
never part of the drill.
Your Mae West like a tart’s embrace
around your neck,
but she’ll keep you afloat in case
of exhaustion or injury.
The six men on the life-raft
shout ‘get a move on’.
The raft’s high sides catch the wind.
You splutter into front crawl.
Her wake churns as you pant behind.
A rope flung in your direction
falls short. A salt wave
smacks you in the mouth.
The third mate slips off the side.
His waist tied as he splashes
towards you in ungainly doggy paddle.
The life-raft gathers pace.
They haul the third mate back.
Caroline Davies’ first collection Convoy is published by Cinnamon Press. It was inspired by her grandfather, ‘Jim’ Honeybill. He was with the Blue Funnel line and served on M.V. Ajax during the Malta convoys. This is her blog.