Part I: Seals teeth and whales ears - Scott Polar Research Institute ...

Of bawdy laughter penetrate
Unto the galley. Dick could eat
Unlimited second helpings, Bill
Could have his mug without the fill
Of slime and oil that crusts the rim
(This matter unhygienic worries him)
Brian would have a serviette
And have no need to put his shirt
Across his knees.
You could have all the apricots
And custard tarts you wish and pots
Of jam. The mustard, salt and Worcester sauce
Would all be in their places. 'Course
We'd fill your mugs a hundredth time
With water, tea or juice of lime.
And you would smoke your pipes and chuck
Your fags and matches till the deck
Was ankle-deep in ash - but bye
And bye we'd sweep it clean away.
But at my back I always hear
The Second Sitting drawing near:
And yonder all before you lie
Mountains of unwashed crockery.
Your bodies must no more be found
Upon the mess deck - look around
Pick up your shirts and pipes and hats
And take your tea upon the decks
To swill; but don't (Oh! heinous sin) forget
to bring the mugs back to the sink.
(How do you think the others are going to drink?)
Rather at once your food devour
Than linger over it hour by hour
Do you roll all your eggs and all
Your porridge up into one ball
And push the mess with good celerity
Into your mouth. Get up and fly!
Make way! Make way! for more do come
To eat, and after all have done
Allow them peace to eat, poor sods,
Who slaved all day to feed your bods.
"A Galley Slave"
97