Herbert Nehrlich - Bravery At Sea

The Captain knew that pirates would again
attack his crew of brave and fearless men.
In answer to a call that there were three
unmarked and bloody-minded frigates, it was he
who called, to able seamen bring the shirt
the red one.Folks will certainly be hurt.

The battle over, first mate asked the chief
as they were sailing near the Stoertebeaker Reef,
why would you call for a red shirt, please tell me Sire,
just at the moment all of us must brave the fire?

It is, he said, a matter of concealing fear
red masks all injuries inside the chest or near
folks will assume that things are going rather well
the colour red is always soothing, I can tell.

Then, suddenly the call came from the mast
that twenty frigates had surrounded them at last,
the captain yelled now at the top of his strong voice
get me the pants now that are brown, and hurry boys.

Herbert Nehrlich

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bravery-at-sea/