Diane Hine - Cruising 2 lyrics

The steamship ‘Prate' was gutted by a berg. She dipped at bow and listed by a third. But just before propeller breached the air, a stabilizing midship belch occurred. The stern sank quickly, levelling the deck and there she gently see-sawed, held in check, her shoulders sluiced by iced Atlantic spurs which s**ed and spewed her wounded body's dreck. The Captain sang, his ankles washed by brine, while Mrs Petty went in search of wine. The life boats, far away, were lanterned specks. The pair were left to tread the waterline. No wine, but Mrs Petty found a nook, enclosed and warm, where metal thrummed and shook. She sat on rope and searched her purse to find a skein of white silk thread and crochet hook. She nodded off, but came to with a jolt, as ice-cold water burned like fifty volts. The Captain loomed and said with a scolding look, "Carbon monoxide Ma'am", and mumbled ‘dolt'. "Why Captain, does this mean that we'll be saved"? "No chance at all Ma'am", said he, looking grave. "The ocean has the ‘Prate' by a stranglehold- an hour remains at most, we must be brave". "So Captain, tell me, have I got this straight? "You found me in a fumed, unconscious state, revived me with a splash, from d**h's close shave and soon we'll bear the grey Atlantic's weight"? "Quite so", the Captain said, "I'm duty bound, commanded by our gracious sovereign crowned, to save those in my charge from grievous fate". "Ah, yes", said Mrs Petty, "most profound". They fled as tongues of water chased and hissed. A funnel's neck received its frigid kiss. The Captain spread his arms and held his ground. His song was rich and full and edged with bliss. Just then, a cabled pulley broke its ties and swung in silence, coming from the side straight at the Captain's head. It could not miss. "Watch out! Sir", Mrs Petty shrilly cried. The Captain ducked with only inches spare. He said, "My mind had reached beyond despair. "I would have instantaneously died, in peace, if not for your incisive care". "Ah Captain", she replied, "It's only fair".