SS GREAT BRITAIN

I wrote this poem on the day the SS Great Britain was brought back to Bristol in 1970.  We were living in Nailsea at the time - at the village police station - and I remember listening to coverage on the radio, wishing I could be there to see her towed up the river, and being inspired to put pen to paper.  

Now, of course, she is beautifully restored - and I pass her dock often when I am on my way back to Radstock from my new home in Leigh Woods.  I was recently reminded of the poem, and wanted to share it with you.

THE GREAT BRITAIN

A Traditional Tribute

They brought her home to Bristol

Halfway across the earth

To the islands that had named her

And the city that gave her birth

Limping, but proud

Scarred, but unbowed

Her iron hull the measure of her worth.

The angry seas have buffeted

The savage winds have torn

But staunchly she has raised her mast

And ridden out the storm.

Washed by uncounted tides

Calm now, at anchor rides

Protected in the bosom of her home.

Cheering thousands line the banks.

They make the pilgrimage

To watch as Brunel's iron ship

Sails under Brunel's bridge.

They wait to see

Live history

And pay their tribute to a passing age.

Down to her blackened wooden decks

The ticker tape is thrown

And on the following little ships

The sirens loud are blown.

Now on the tide

Decked like a bride

They bring the great Great Britain home.

Even after all this time it raises goose bumps on my neck.  I hope it does the same for you!