Analysis of Jack Blair, Over There (battle of britain)

it was Ryerson in Toronto
physics, cathodes in a rush
And the docks of venturesome
Halifax
for that Britain Battle push,
luxury liner did the passage
young men eager for their post.
soon the sick-rail leaning, over
and those friendships proved
the most.
was it London’s land
or Glasgow?
that part never laid on me.
but a smoky train made Cromarty
firth, and views of Northern Sea.
Sunderland floating bombers
for the radar man to guide.
searching out those furtive U boats
that the Nazis tried to hide.
there were close calls
yes, in measure.
shrapnel, chaos
meeting Huns.
and twas never certain
Living.
in those tricky, risky runs.
but for Jack, a Providence
obliging.
and a luxury liner Home
thankful for the Mercy gathered
that some others had not known.

(jack blair 1922-2010)