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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]

Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2015

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