The Old Submariner
I sometimes don’t know where I’m going, but Oh, all the places I’ve been.
Wrapped up in a hull made of steel, with a crew of fine sailors locked in.
The missions are lonely and silent, the dangers untold with no yield,
But we still climb down the steel ladders, the hatches above us are sealed.
The sunlight’s a far distant memory, fresh air just a dream from the past
The world outside comes in short little bursts, from a buoy or a wire or a mast.
Between drilling and watches and work, there’s no place to be secluded
Surrounded by lights and companions, and pressure is always included.
In sub school they taught you the stories, of boats that exceeded design,
And others that found ancient mountains, nearly ending before it was time.
Fires and flooding and things that exploded, in a hull that is closed on both ends,
Add to pressure from not really seeing, what’s ahead or around the next bend.
You can hide from the storms in deep places, using thermals and currents as masks.
But if mission requires more exposure, the crew does what the Captain asks.
Sliding silently through the dark ocean, sometimes you forget where you are,
Until you remember there’s no moon, not even a glimmering star.
They all wait above you in silence, for the boat to once more breach the waves
In a rush of wild water and motion, escaping a watery grave.
Unless you’re an old submariner, it’s hard to know what this means
As age dims my mind and my body, I’m back riding old submarines.
I sometimes forget what I’m thinking, but Oh, all the places I’ve been.
Bob MacPherson (AKA Mister Mac)
July 25, 2017
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theleansubmariner 
Bravo Zulu, Mister Mac.
Thanks for your feedback Tony
Reblogged this on TonyShook and commented:
Mister Mac says it like it was (and still is for the unsung heroes who traverse the world beneath the waves).
Thanks Tony
Always a joy to read GOOD writing. Thanks, Bob, as always.
Thanks Nancy. I hope you are doing well
Excellent! It will be passed on!!
Thanks GP
Oh how I enjoyed this. Thank You sir.
You are very welcome Master Chief. It was an honor to have served and share our story
Great job…Thanks for the memories!!!
You are welcome. I hope you fid the other submarine stories on the site interesting
Mister Mac
Reblogged this on Tales of an Asia Sailor.
Reblogged this on theleansubmariner and commented:
Feeling it even more two years later…
Beautiful.
Reblogged this on DAVEBOOK and commented:
#DaveLovesSubmarines
You said what I feel beautifully. Thank you Mister Mac.
You are welcome Mike. As I get older and see so many of my old shipmates passing, I am reminded how lucky we are to have had the journey
Mac
VERY GOOD-says old CDR you sat by at Bremerton base meeting
Thanks Neil. You guys have a very good base there. Thanks for the hospitality
Mac