Beneath the fading stars and icy, pre-dawn sky
The peaceful, millpond sea unbroken lies.

A grimy smudge of smoke in distant sky appears,
Heralding the approach of a small tramp, iron ore laden,
Making weary progress to some distant port.

Closer now into our sight she steams,
Her wake patterning the mirror sea.

The slowly lightening sky another player to the scene reveals
Scarce ruffling the surface; moving slow,
Keeping the trudging ship within it's view:
A periscope.

Oblivious, the tramp plods on.

A dull explosion, muffled by the sea.
Ship shudders, slows and starts to settle.
No time for panic nor no time to lower boats.
Iron ore is heavy and in minutes ship and crew t'wards Davy Jones are gone.
Grimy smudge of smoke - sad, transient epitaph.

The periscope slides slowly 'neath the sea.

Under the rising sun and chilly, morning sky
The peaceful, millpond sea unbroken lies

© Arthur Jenner 2006