Into a Dark Raging Storm, Tempest and Hail

Into A Dark Raging Storm, Tempest And Hail Into a dark raging storm, tempest and hail alas, sadly all was to be to no avail. Twelve pounders broke loose crashing about some over the wind praying in a shout. Prisoners chained below all in great fear great many had shed a tortured tear. Captured when their frigate this enemy sank praying for their life and safe bank. Thunder rolled and invisible hammers pound every loud creak an ominous sound. That morn crew had blessed the arrowy sun and good lord for all he had done. Now hit by waves capable of breaking stone each man felt terror and all alone. Moment came when ship was tossed up high and each one saw his life pass by. Next splashing water and cursing the sea survivors and no ship could they see. Down it had went with prisoners in chains sea graveyard dead,no longer in pain. Found one life boat still there and afloat six sailors climbed aboard the boat. Storm had calmed enough for them to see they may yet hold kids on their knee. No longer daring to swear and deeply curse thanks gave having survived the worse. No time to mourn the stormy sea taken dead each prayed to a merciful God instead! Robert J. Lindley, 10-21-2015 Note- (1.) "frigate"- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigate Wikipedia A frigate /'fr?g?t/ is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries. In the 17th century, this term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built" (2.)" Twelve pounder" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-pound_cannon Twelve pounder: The twelve-pound cannon is a cannon that fires twelve-pound projectiles from its barrel, as well as grapeshot, chainshot, shrapnel, and later shells and canister shot.[1] It was first used during the Tudor period[2] and was commonly used during the Napoleonic Wars, 1799-1815. At this time 12 lbers were largest caliber of long-barreled field pieces, and were used both at long range against fortifications and troop concentrations using round shot and against attacking infantry and cavalry using canister shot. As such the 12 lber was a favorite weapon of the Grande Armée. Later, redesigned 12 lbs were named after Napoleon III and found heavy use during the American Civil War. 12-pounders were also carried on naval vessels of various sizes. Unlike their land based cousins, such weapons were considered light by naval standards. They formed the main armament of smaller frigates, and were used on the upper decks of larger vessels, where their relatively lighter weight would not be a problem. They were commonly found on the quarterdeck of British Ships of the line like HMS Victory though their main weapons were the larger 24 and 32 pound cannon, capable of shattering the hulls of enemy warships and killing the gun crews with a deadly shower of splinters.[3]