The Real PM Posted October 15, 2008 #1 Share Posted October 15, 2008 It occurred to me that it would be very nice to gather all of the wonderful poems that have been written about the QE2 by some of our very talented CC members, and place them together as a wonderful collection and final tribute to our iconic ship, the QE2. Please feel free to add to the collection. GOODBYE ‘Goodbye. Goodbye’. The seagulls cry The band plays “Auld Lang Syne”. Gari ‘Farewell. Farewell’ The voices swell. ‘Ye’ll no come back again’.-The sobbing whistle’s triple blastStarts a prickle in the eye.It echoes back ‘The last, The lastThe last time for ‘Sailing By’.-The firetug, sprays turned off, turns homeThe small craft fall behindAnd Soton fades into the gloamAnd salt is on the wind.Goodbye.-o-o-o-Strange seabirds cry ‘Dubai, Dubai.’The heaving lines fly ashoreDubai, Dubai, for aye and ayeYour voyages are o’er.-Dubai Dubai. The heaving lines flyThe mooring cables strainGoodbye Goodbye, Goodbye GoodbyeThe passengers’ sad refrain.-‘Goodbye Goodbye’ the passengers sighWalking down the quay‘For aye, for aye’, Dubai’s reply‘For aye she’ll bide wi’ me.’Goodbye.-o-o-o-All gone, all gone, the people goneThe Champagne and the bands. And Gulliver’s made fast at lastBy Lilliputian hands.-The desert night comes creeping inThe desert wind blows chill.And deck by deck the lights go outThe ship lies dark and still.-She waits the dawn, her final dawnWhen men will come with toolsTo finish her pelagic life.She must learn a captive’s rules.-But for tonight, Hold tight, hold tightHold tight while you still are wholeFor one last night, hold tight, hold tightHold tight on to your soul.Goodbye-o-o-o- Ah!.If steel could dream,What dreams, what dreams.What dreams would this steel dream?If steel could dreamWould this steel dreamOf all the things it’s seen?-Of gliding through the tropic blue,Of balmy palmy bays.Of fragrant days and star jewelled nightsThe ocean all ablaze.Goodbye-Of slambanging through Atlantic wrackIts great waves green and greyHer mighty forefoot pounds them downTo say, 'Make way', 'Make way'Goodbye.-The lift and scend as Southern SwellsHouse high beneath it sighThe high and chilly latitudesWhere the albatross hangs highGoodbye-o-o-o- A thousand seas a thousand landsAnd millions brought safe home.For forty years I’ve plied my tradeBut they won’t let me home.In Glasgow yardFrom Scottish steelIs where I came to be.But now I’m sold for foreign goldAnd banished from my sea.Goodbye-My engine’s warmth is cooling nowThe dawn draws swiftly onThe foreign dockyard mateys comeIt’s over now, I’m gone.Goodbye.-o-o-o- Ah! If steel could dreamWhat dreams, what dreamsWhat dreams would this steel dream?If steel could dreamWould this steel dreamOf when it was a Queen.Goodbye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted October 15, 2008 Author #2 Share Posted October 15, 2008 This one is by Jimmy Christie. http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~jc32/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted October 16, 2008 Author #3 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Here's my poor attempt at recreating the style of the master (to anyone who is not familiar with the work of William Topaz McGonagall, and therefore unlikely to understand the paradoy inherent in this - it's probably best to look away now as what follows is not pretty): Oh beautiful beautiful QE2 Which has sailed around the oceans for many a year or two It is to be sure a very sad day Now that you are finally on your way to Dubai On the day that you were launched from the slipway of John Brown Loads of people from Clydebank did celebrate in the town And plenty of other folk came from other places far and near So that they could all watch the event and make lots of noise, and shout and cheer. Many's the time you have sailed across the wide Atlantic And your beautiful launderette has driven many of your passengers frantic But that really doesn't matter and will not bother anyone Because, at the end of the day, they still all managed to get their washing done. Many many people have walked your lovely decks And when it was rough some may even have messed up their kecks But now you are going, I'm sure that all will have to agree That you're a much better boat than we'll ever get with QE3 Truly, I think that the management of Cunard must have more than one screw loose To send you off to the Middle East so that for a hotel they can you use. And I pray that for ever and ever your ghost it will come back and haunt And scare them out of their wits and that with their mistakes you will them taunt. James Christie With apologies to Mr W T McGonagall esq, Scotland's Greatest Ever Poet Aternote: I happen to know that Happyscot has followed this up with a most excellent piece of verse written in the style of Noel Coward (or possibly Rudyard Kipling, or maybe Robert Service, or it could have been Pam Ayers). Whatever, maybe we can prevail upon him to post it on here as well. __________________ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted October 16, 2008 Author #4 Share Posted October 16, 2008 What Ship is That? What ship is that, that shines out thereBetween the sea and sky so fair?A beauty that has caught the light, Self- assured, without a care?There never was a ship as white.What ship is that, she's quite a sight, Shimmering--her crown's aglowWith funnel high and ruby bright!The sight of her is quite a show.Look closer though. She is in tow!What ship is that? She looks so new.I know she is the QE2.The sky is dark and starts to flow,Signaling the end is nigh.The Queen of ships is soon to die!What ship is that that makes me cry?What ship is that, that's in Dubai? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruachan Posted October 16, 2008 #5 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Here are a few of my favourite photos of QE2. The first two show her at anchor off Aghios Nikolaos in Crete: The next one show her alongside the quay in Marmaris And the final one is of QE2 at Pinto Wharf, Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GCurry Posted October 17, 2008 #6 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Here's my poor attempt at recreating the style of the master (to anyone who is not familiar with the work of William Topaz McGonagall, and therefore unlikely to understand the paradoy inherent in this - it's probably best to look away now as what follows is not pretty): And so I searched my Norton's Anthology of English Literature and never found a mention of W T McGonagall. How could they have missed the works of a poet even greater then Bobby Burns?? I did a little research about him and arguably his greatest work (The Tay Bridge Disaster)! http://www.mcgonagall-online.org.uk/ I found him to be the inspiration I needed for what is to follow. Thank you Jimmy!! Death of a Queen Aye, tear her old red funnel down Long has it smoked the sky, And many an eye has tear’d to see Her shipped off to Dubai; Beneath it rang the stewards bell, As he called them to high tea; The Queen who knew every ocean well Shall no longer sail the sea!! Her decks, once served the men of war, As they went to meet the foe, When she sailed across Southampton’s bar To the Falklands far below, No more she’ll feel the cruiser's tread, Or the ocean winds so free; The Arabs of the shore shall rent The lady of the sea! Oh, better that her rusty hull Should sink beneath the wave; Her life was spent on the seven seas, And there should be her grave; Let her fly proud Britain’s flag, Set her course away from shore, And let her sleep in the ocean deep , Still a Queen for ever more! With profound apologies to Oliver Wendell Holmes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garigoun Posted October 17, 2008 #7 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Nice one Gene. I have an apology to make, to Mr Longfellow and his good mate Hiawatha. Sorry guys. By the shores of Sotons waters By the greasy dockside waters Stands the terminal, the berthing Of the mighty ocean liners High above it swing the cranejibs Swinging dipping lifting raising Lifting raising all the luggage Luggage that the people bring there To support their ocean voyage. Dark beside the quayside waiting Waiting stands the giant Queetu. Black she stands there in the sunlight White she glistens in the sunlight And her funnel orange, red is Like a beacon proudly smoking Smoking as the mighty engines Purr and rumble with their power. Now at last the people coming Coming all the happy people Smiling chatting laughing gaily Posing by the lifebouy easel Posing for their boarding picture. Pictures sell for twenty-seven Of the dollars of the Yankees. But they say it must be worth it Cheap at half the price they think it Though the picture may be awful Makes you look like Quasimodo And your wife like… let’s not go there. Then at last the ship is leaving Leaving England for the last time All because the Emiratis Arabs with their filthy lucre Have beguiled the proud ship’s owners Tempted them beyond resistance Dangled bags of gold and rubies And the Carnivali’s, - dastards Have succumbed to the tempting. They have sold the mighty liner Sold this icon of the oceans. Loud and long the lamentations Lamentations of Cunarders Waily waily hear them crying Daily hear them waily waily. Cursing swearing at the villains Who have sold their trusty boaty. But the dastard Carnivalis Pay no heed to all their sorrow To their tears and cries of sorrow. Saying just ‘It’s Economics’ Economics made us do it. For we must turn out a profit Profit for our good shareholders That they all may prosper greatly And have suites on ocean cruisers Cruisers of the NCL line And the Hal and all the others. Cunardeers can kiss our bottoms Bottom line is all we care for. So it is the mighty Queetu Turned into a grand hotel is Grand hotel out in the desert. But at least it will be over, No more final this and that trips. And for that oh Carnvivalis I for one applaud you greatly. Gari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garigoun Posted October 17, 2008 #8 Share Posted October 17, 2008 It's surprisingly difficult to cut one's own throat. Ah! There we go! ROFLMAO Thanks HS G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pb82 Posted October 17, 2008 #9 Share Posted October 17, 2008 It's surprisingly difficult to cut one's own throat. ... If at first you don't succeed, try, try again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAL72 Posted October 17, 2008 #10 Share Posted October 17, 2008 The poems are lovely, but the proud men of Clydebank would be rather upset to hear the ship described as being built in Glasgow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruachan Posted October 17, 2008 #11 Share Posted October 17, 2008 The poems are lovely, but the proud men of Clydebank would be rather upset to hear the ship described as being built in Glasgow! Rob, I trust you've granted me exemption from your criticism :) Jimmy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garigoun Posted October 18, 2008 #12 Share Posted October 18, 2008 The poems are lovely, but the proud men of Clydebank would be rather upset to hear the ship described as being built in Glasgow! Oh God. I bet Will or Byron or Keats never had this nitpicking. Poetic licence old boy. Anyway it's the same river and it's only 6 miles away as the boat floats. And it is contiguous with the City of Glasgow. And I don't suppose 99.99% of the population would know where one ended and the other began if it weren't for some thundering great notice saying something like: ' Welcome to Clydebank - Cunard Country'. Stomps off in the huff! Gari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted October 21, 2008 Author #13 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Obituary of a Queen Queen Elizabeth Two, 1967-2008 Born in Clydebank, Scotland, U K. Her death to come slowly,there is no debate. Began her journey, none could wait, In 1969, she made her way, Queen Elizabeth Two, 1967-2008. Then in '82, an instrument of fate, To transport troops so far away. Her death to come slowly there is no debate. 1987, new engines would recreate A glorious new liner for a modern day, Queen Elizabeth Two, 1967-2008. By 2002, her miles were her fate, Five million nautical miles to the day, Her death would come slowly, there is no debate. In 2007, we would learn of her fate, To be sold to Dubai brought great dismay, Queen Elizabeth Two, 1967-2008' Her death to come slowly, there is no debate. By Gail Apologies to Dylan Thomas in my attenpt at a Villanelle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted October 30, 2008 Author #14 Share Posted October 30, 2008 Here is a poem by Oliver William Holmes that actually saved the beloved ship, "Old Ironsides". It almost seems that his words are describing the beloved QE2. OLD IRONSIDES By Oliver Wendell Holmes September 16, 1830 Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon's roar; The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more. Her deck, once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquished foe, When winds were hurrying o'er the flood, And waves were white below, No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee; The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea! Oh, better that her shattered bulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! AUTHOR'S NOTE By Oliver Wendell Holmes This was the popular name by which the frigate Constitution was known. The poem was first printed in the Boston Daily Advertiser, at the time when it was proposed to break up the old ship as unfit for service. I subjoin the paragraph which led to the writing of the poem. It is from the Advertiser of Tuesday, September 14, 1830:-- "Old Ironsides.--- It has been affirmed upon good authority that the Secretary of the Navy has recommended to the Board of Navy Commissioners to dispose of the frigate Constitution. Since it has been understood that such a step was in contemplation we have heard but one opinion expressed, and that in decided disapprobation of the measure. Such a national object of interest, so endeared to our national pride as Old Ironsides is, should never by any act of our government cease to belong to the Navy, so long as our country is to be found upon the map of nations. In England it was lately determined by the Admiralty to cut the Victory, a one-hundred gun ship (which it will be recollected bore the flag of Lord Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar), down to a seventy-four, but so loud were the lamentations of the people upon the proposed measure that the intention was abandoned. We confidently anticipate that the Secretary of the Navy will in like manner consult the general wish in regard to the Constitution, and either let her remain in ordinary or rebuild her whenever the public service may require."--New York Journal of Commerce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 11, 2008 Author #15 Share Posted November 11, 2008 "Regally, stately she moves from her quayside Away down the Solent she slips on the ebb tide, Heart rending and poignant her siren's last crying Her faithful are weeping- the great ship is dying." Excerpt from Jimmy Christie's "The Great Ship" 11/11/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Askin Posted November 11, 2008 #16 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Hey Curachan, mind if I add these photos to our QE2 Farewell gallery? http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/showgallery.php?cat=525 Thanks, Dan Here are a few of my favourite photos of QE2. The first two show her at anchor off Aghios Nikolaos in Crete: The next one show her alongside the quay in Marmaris And the final one is of QE2 at Pinto Wharf, Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruachan Posted November 11, 2008 #17 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Hey Curachan, mind if I add these photos to our QE2 Farewell gallery? Go ahead. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 11, 2008 Author #18 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Go ahead. J Hello J, I hope you didn't mind me using the last verse of your poem. And the QE2 picture? Is it OK? Gail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruachan Posted November 11, 2008 #19 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Hey, J Did you mind that I used your last verse of your poem? And picture?:) No that's ok J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 11, 2008 Author #20 Share Posted November 11, 2008 No that's ok J Thank you! I thought it was quite fitting, particularly today!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain789 Posted November 12, 2008 #21 Share Posted November 12, 2008 This poem was read at the passenger talent show during the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' cruise in June this year. Brought a tear to Gun's eye! Gracious lady of the oceans, Mastering the winds and tides, Sea and sky are your dominions, Sun and stars are still your guides. Far and wide across the waters Of the world you bravely roam, Bearing us to new adventures, Returning always safely home. At every anchorage and harbour People stop along their way To hail and greet your glad arrival, Salute you as you sail away. From Equator to the Arctic North to South and East to West, Beauty, pleasure, joy, achievement: All of these are your bequest. For, Queen Elizabeth, time is passing, Other ships of other name Will carry on your proud traditions But it can never be the same. Ship of dreams, belov’d by thousands, Memories will never cease. When you reach your final harbour, Gracious lady, rest in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 12, 2008 Author #22 Share Posted November 12, 2008 This poem was read at the passenger talent show during the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' cruise in June this year. Brought a tear to Gun's eye! Gracious lady of the oceans, Mastering the winds and tides, Sea and sky are your dominions, Sun and stars are still your guides. Far and wide across the waters Of the world you bravely roam, Bearing us to new adventures, Returning always safely home. At every anchorage and harbour People stop along their way To hail and greet your glad arrival, Salute you as you sail away. From Equator to the Arctic North to South and East to West, Beauty, pleasure, joy, achievement: All of these are your bequest. For, Queen Elizabeth, time is passing, Other ships of other name Will carry on your proud traditions But it can never be the same. Ship of dreams, belov’d by thousands, Memories will never cease. When you reach your final harbour, Gracious lady, rest in peace. That is beautiful. Thank you for submitting it.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 13, 2008 Author #23 Share Posted November 13, 2008 This is a wonderful poem by Capnpugwash Now is the time to say goodbye, Now is the time to yield a sigh From her home port yesterday The QE2 is off to live in Dubai Sand, sand the Captain said, That light, what colour? Was it green or maybe red ? No matter surely most of the passengers are still in bed She dwelt a while on said sandspit In strong winds, a cinch to hit. No-ones to blame, it doesn’t matter The flagship’s off to live near Qatar Now she’s sailed away forever Marvellous fireworks, lips aquiver She navigates Southampton Water Like a liner, like she ought to. Ask me my view if you want to I’m not sure that it holds water But it seems to me that the UAE Should decide its’ destiny __________________ A poor day sailing beats a good day ashore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilius Posted November 13, 2008 #24 Share Posted November 13, 2008 It occurred to me that it would be very nice to gather all of the wonderful poems that have been written about the QE2 by some of our very talented CC members, and place them together as a wonderful collection and final tribute to our iconic ship, the QE2. Please feel free to add to the collection. GOODBYE ‘Goodbye. Goodbye’. The seagulls cry... Ah!.If steel could dream,What dreams, what dreams.What dreams would this steel dream?If steel could dreamWould this steel dreamOf all the things it’s seen?...Gari PM This is a heartbreaking poem, most artfully constructed. Many thanks. Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real PM Posted November 23, 2008 Author #25 Share Posted November 23, 2008 New Hotel QE2 Lovely icon Sailing, docking, dying Slashed to pieces by greed Hotel By Gail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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