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USS Atherton DE 169 |
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DESTROYER ESCORT - CANNON CLASS |
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• U-853
Life Aboard USS Atherton DE 169
submitted by Carl F. Barth Jr. SM 2/c
THE WATER HOUR |
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Between the daylight and the sunset When the seat begins to sour; Comes a pause in the days' occupation Which is known as the water hour. With a rush they swarm up the ladder, Away from the stench below. Far away from the perspiring bodies, And the pungent, nervous B.O. From across the deck to the washroom, Hear the patter of dirty feet, And skivvies are cast away because, Of corrosion of the seat. "Is it a riot?" the O.D. cries; "Is there a mutiny down by the shower?" "Oh, no sir." A stinking seaman says, "This is the water hour." |
The scene in the shower is wild indeed; Timid souls stand back, alone. For none can be sure in this frenzied mob That the parts he cleans are his own. The weak must bathe with water splashed From the back of the naked throng, For the coveted spot, 'neath the shower head Is always held by the strong. And I don't mean strong like the noble ox, But strong like the lowly skunk; For an arm pit stinks in the South Sea Isles, Like nothing before has stunk. As the tumult dies with the fading stench, Now cursing with bitter power, Stands a lonely figure covered with soap. It's the end of the water hours. |
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Submitted by Carl F. Barth, Jr. SM 2/c |
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