It’s a Grand Day Sir

It’s a Grand Day Sir
(Shackleton’s rescue of his crew from the Weddell Sea, winter 1916)

Seas tumult and crash upon the prow
ice grows thick before our very eyes
covers the tiller, handle and shaft, but
“It’s a grand day, Sir!” as he yields his watch.

Seven hundred miles to cross ocean
as unforgiving as harshest inquisitor
with barely sustenance to make it, yet
“It’s a grand day, Sir!” greets us daily.

Twenty-five feet of wood and tar
a sail giving dread far more than hope
six men clinging to life by claws, hear
“It’s a grand day, Sir!” and blood renews.

Shackleton set the course we follow
for sake of ourselves and those behind
a score of men depend on us now, and
“It’s a grand day, Sir!” will get us through!

That Irish seaman, able McCarthy,
did carry us on his back all the way
from Elephant Isle to South Georgia, hearing
“It’s a grand day, Sir!” and sure it was.