a partner church in the WOLDSBURN benefice
CHURCH AT KIRKBURN
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DECEMBER 2007
“CUTTY SARK”
http://www.churchatkirkburn.org.uk page 103.html “Cutty Sark” (120) ( 1 of 2) Dec ‘07 11 January 2008
At break of dawn I woke this morning just as old bluesmen say
sound of the lark brings birdsong in harmony seemed so serene at the first light of day
but a billowing black cloud loomed over London, news was soon out all over town
dramatic despair down by the dockside on the day the Cutty Sark burned down.
Vessel ‘twas built on North Clydeside in Scotland, completed in eighteen sixty nine
launched from its yard on the dock of Dumbarton to work the British Navy line.
Named from the shift worn by winsome wench Nannie, seductively dancing in the dark
Beguiling in short linen chemise undergarment. smitten Tam O’Shanter shouts “weel
done “Cutty Sark”
For her maiden voyage she set out from London with cargoes of wine, spirits, and ale
Square rigs hoisted high on the Thames she did glisten, such a sight to behold in
the great age of sail
Rounding Cape Horn she sped south and eastwards bound for Shanghai in the East
China Sea
seven or so years she continues this service, homeward fully laden with tea
With the advent of steam her itinerary altered ‘twixt Australia and Britain
to ply the wool trade.
Set swiftest time during this era when her sixty seven day run was made
She sailed the high seas in ceremonial splendour, finding fame as a classic sail clipper
So slick was the “Sark” she’d slip into harbour, easy as Cinderella slid into her slipper