Neither Rhyme, Nor Reason

In August of 2009, I was asked to write and read the following rhyme at the Bonaventure Anchor Cenotaph
in Point Pleasant Park, it is in memory of all Maritime aircrew who lost their lives while in Naval Aviation. The occasion was a gathering of aircrew that had served in Shearwater, Greenwood, Summerside, and Pat Bay &  Comox , B.C.  While this was written for those that served in the back-seat of the aircraft, I would like to acknowledge that groundcrew and pilots also lost their lives!

Neither Rhyme , Nor Reason

A thing which has neither rhyme, nor reason, something that makes no sense,

We, present here today, have lost more than a few friends, training in Canada's defense!

Observer's Mates, Naval Aircrewmen, Radio Navigator, Airborne Electronic Sensors Op,

Even some of the originals are here today, while other mates lives, came to a full stop!

Whether flying off a carrier, a DDH or land, they didn't return for that drink in the mess,

Some are still in the Delta,others we buried, why them and not us, it's anyone's guess!

They are still young men, that's how we see them,while we here today, are mostly grey,

Naval Aviation claimed more than a few, while us old birds, lived to fly another day!

They didn't make it to grandfather, or Snowbird, or retiree, like you, and you, and me!

They are mates we talk about at reunions, some have gravesites, others are still at Sea!