Seaman’s promise.

Baker Sir, Jack Baker, Able Seaman, late Morning Star,
reporting for duty as ordered by command from afar.
No need to look in your book Sir, for I have served you well,
from Cabin Boy so tender, to Able Seaman a gone through hell.
My life was never rosy Sir, as I sailed the Seven Seas,
but I was first on Sundays to go down upon my knees.
I cursed in wind and weather, in lull and in gale,
with ice in the rigging, my duty I did not fail.
You didn't make things easy Sir for Baker, Able Seaman Jack,
with yellow fever raging and I lying ill upon my back.
I complained not of thirst Sir, when throats were parched and dry,
or of life injustices when a Seaman in my arms did die.
Many were the temptations when in a foreign port,
but look now in your book Sir, Was I of that sort.
Just to put things straight Sir, for the record so to speak,
I was harsh to the tyrant but gentle to the weak.
If some thing is not clear Sir, in your book on Baker Jack,
let blow a mighty wind and turn those pages back.
Back to my childhood, when I was poor at ease,
a Child of want and hardship a dragging at my Mother's knees.
Let those yellow filled in pages turn slowly one by one.
I will give account Sir for the things that I have done.
But you know in your heart Sir, I walked straight and true,
I worked not in pulpit as I placed my trust in you.
Able Seaman Baker, look through those Golden Gates,
see you not my ship that for it's Captain waits.
Take up your new command, for you have served my purpose well,
look over your reward as she proudly rides the swell.
For I have closed my book Jack Baker, 'Captain.' By God's choice,
sail these heavenly waters and know that I rejoice.