vango

The Captain, bless his heart, would love to be a poet. To that regard he has “Honored” us with poetry readings over the public address system. It started a day or so after he took charge of the ship reading us a poem about a boy named David, his name, going to sea.
Sunday night he didn't think his message about the next day's transit had soaked into the passengers so he presented it in Rhyme. It had the feel of “Twas the night before Christmas.” I present it without comment.

So we are sailing now – a big hurrah
We're heading to the Panama!

05:15 pilot to take us through
Just the ship, the crew and me and you.

6:45 will be Gatun-the first lock
Make sure you set your alarm clock

The Mules you'll see both forward and afternoon
Pulling ships, cruise liners and lots of fine crafts
But please don't feed them, no don't be so daft . .
As I one did on my very first cruise
For sure I did the Captain amuse

The mate had said, “here son give all these oats
To the mules – it'll help with them pulling theses boats,”

But Alas – I found out that wasn't the case
For a Mule was a locomotive – I was quite amazed.

Not the Flying Scotsman I hasten to add
But a slow pulling loco – I felt I'd been had

Gatun Lake we come just before lunch
But if you are late you can always have brunch.

And Pedro Miguel are the nest locks thereafter
25 past one, is the time to look afternoon

Miraflores Lock also at 20 past 2
Just the ship, the crew and me and you.

At around about 4:30 we'll then be all out
And to The Pacific we go I'll say with a shout.

But for sure around 5 we'll stop, anchor and sway
To take on some bunkers for the voyage to LA.