If you're ex-military, you will probably find this enjoyable...especially if you were a yeoman or company clerk!

 “The Yeoman’s Song”

To the yeomen come stories of sorrow and woe,

A never-ending stream of questions they throw.

Inquiring young seamen are forever present,

And their answers the yeomen try to make pleasant.

The following are some of the queries which are asked by them daily,

By Messrs. Smith, Jones and their friend Gus Bailey:

“When’s my leave start – when can I go?”

“Can I get a rating – if so, how is it done?”

“Is there such an application and can I have one?”

“Can’t even get a 48 – wish I could?” 

“Can I borrow a pencil – I’ll sure bring it back.”

“Can I also have some paper and just one thumb tack?”

“Gunner’s mate school – are there openings for me?”

“If so, who is it I have to see?”
”I lost my identification while out on vacation.”

“How’s chances for another – gate watch will pick me up sure.”

 “I’ve got an excuse – but it certainly sounds poor.”

“Who’s the duty officer tonight – is he out to chow?”

“I’ve got to see him, and its got to be now.”

“How was inspection – did our boat pass?”

“Did he say anything about those tins filled with gas?”

“Has the mail come in yet – any letters for me?”

“Who’s taking it down – can he look through it for me?”

“Do you know what’s going to happen to the boys on the base?”

“Will they all be shipped out – and do you know the place?”

On the base, at the gate, on a boat or uptown,

They’ll stop them to talk and usually question them down,

About leaves, rates and miscellaneous stuff,

And they won’t stop talking ‘til they’ve found out enough.

But the yeomen are usually an obliging crew,

They’ll carry out their requests and do what they can do;

Any help they can give or assistance lend,

Usually they work out to the advantage in the end.

Please bear in mind the above is not gripping,

We all have our work – theirs happens to be typing.

You’ll find that “quills” is always ready to serve,

From his path of duty he’ll never swerve.

At any stage of the game you can always depend,

When you’re near a yeoman, you’re near a friend.

Whether in the middle of the day or the middle of the night,

He’s always on hand to help in any plight.

It is hoped that you’re now acquainted with the views,

As presented by one who would not refuse,

A favor or service, which is within his scope

So bring on your requests…and then just HOPE!

                                                      (ed sr.)