I wish you could have seen it lass,
Standing at the side of a huge ship as they knock the blocks away,
For a moment it seems like the ship is still and the world is moving.
The drag chains squeal down the slipway in a cloud of smoke and ferrous dust.
A vain attempt to check its speed as the stern enters the river,
A huge wave pushed to the opposite bank
And we all stood in wonder,
Every single time.
Days of wonder then petty insecurities,
Followed by swagger and poise and missed opportunities
Then down the other side on polished runner,
Faster and further from invincible summer,
Crashing through the brief autumn blaze,
As you scream from salad to vegetable days.