"Head for the flare!"
It’s close to three in the morning
When the cry calls to wake
Six stalwart crew
Live, alert and ready to shake
The dreams from their slumbering.
In twenty minutes they meet at the quay
Aboard and away by twenty past three
Out of the calm and into the night
Facing the wrath of the storm swept seas
Head for the flare, the beacon of light.
Each barrage from the spume topped waves
Does not deter our resolute braves
Take care to take a hold
Is the unspoken word
For each of the bold there’s no need to be told.
Adrenaline fuelled, they know no fear
On many occasions, they have been here
Pounding engines, leaping and flying
A galloping thoroughbred, thrusting and bucking
Ahead – another flare for the helm to adhere.
The brilliant orange of the rescuing craft
Stark and bold against the tempest arrives
Ready to chance and cross the divide
Against the ensuing threatening seas to provide
Salvation to those expectant souls that heed.
Thank the Lord that you have arrived in time
Overwhelming relief to ease the mind
With two of the souls down injured and drawn
Crystallised thinking is vital, the norm
With the first shards of light announcing the dawn.
The job for the coxswain is close at hand
To bring about the yacht, then run for land
With injuries aboard, one of the six must make
The culpable risk to take the flying leap
And grasp the mettle of fate.
It is done, now the purpose is clear
Tow the ailing vessel that holds those dear
A family of four, our man makes five
For a dawn landing against the burgeoning sky.
And by a miracle, all safely arrive
For by the grace of God, all have survived.
