---

She limped in slowly, battered and hurt

Proud and unbeaten, ready to fight again

The stones looked upon her and braced themselves to guard her

The walls around her whispered memories

The sun was up, when the vultures came

Hovering high, above their tortured prey

Diving steeply, one by one

Straining impatiently, to join the fray

Flashes of scarlet, spreading death

A myriad of guns, a gigantic belch, gave immediate throat and answered them

From the land, the batteries swelled out

The overture, shells bursts around

Hung in the sky, like snowballs in the sun

Wreathed by the grimy, death-smoke of the Hun

The barrage died, the fighters attacked

Pounced on the tattered, remnants of the foe

A pall of dust and smoke hung in the air

Hiding great wounds, easing the blow

A breeze came from the sea, the picture cleared

Desolate buildings gashed, roofless and leered

A mockery to heaven, blasphemy of god

Collapsed and in ruins, homeless by now

The old world has laid down its life to shield the new, the brave and the proud

Riding safely on her anchorage, which was meant to be her final resting place

Not unavailing was the cities’ pain

Nor was the agony of death in vain

Not unavailing had the workman braved

The horror from the air, the ship was saved

Ten long days, they came in with might

Each day we scattered them, and took our toll

But round the docks, lies aged blood of three great cities, which played their roll

Might bastions wear proud your scars

Through honour and valour, unbroken you are

Blood, sweat and tears, was your reward

Live forever, revere your pride

Only remember her, she was supreme

Illustrious!