English is a rather strange, punny language, many a time what you mean is different from what you say,
So difficult to comprehend as it is; becomes even much more, when you use terms, much the Navy way.
"Both Watches", certainly does not refer to a 'His/Her' set normally given in marriages, as a present,
The morning starts, with this big assembly of personnel; neat, well groomed; ensure you are not absent.
In civil life, you make a mistake, summoned by boss, tensed, realise fault not yours, then you 'stand easy'
In the ship, they pipe 'stand easy'; you relax, smile, think happily about sweet tea and hot samosas, greasy.
Even now, in many towns, villages, get good proposals, Government jobs considered so very 'Secure',
Say 'Secure' to a sea dog, he will smile nicely, go away bit quickly, looking for bottled amber liquid, pure.
'Trunk of Tree' to the average man, vision of vintage wood, good for furniture, or at least, even to hang on,
Say that to the grizzled, salty face; eyes would crinkle, a warm smile, what a dessert, really to splurge on.
Now, what am I doing this morning, waxing rather in-eloquently, the distortions of Naval English, I say,
Hey, today is the Day of the Whites, the men who sail the seven seas, my dear brethren, Today is Navy Day.
Jai Bharathi
Shan Nau Varuna!
4 AM, I wrote these words, went up first floor, opened my cupboard, my uniform still hanging on the rack.
Shiver me timbers, still an old salt, Awww!! Come on mateys, bend the rule a wee bit, please take me back.
Courtesy. From a fellow traveller who'd dorned the whites once upon a time.
Tailpiece.
Got up around a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.
Today's the Guruvayur Ekadasi and the Indian Navy Day.
A quiet day but could connect with many friends.
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