His wife cared not to go afloat, Saw his craft as 'that bloody boat' Not as the perfect cure for stress But rather as a cute mistress.

On the whole she was pretty fair, Let him go cruising anywhere He would - once household chores were done And he was 'titled to some fun.

Then, standing on the fishing quay At Mudeford, Hants*, the coast to see, Among the small craft passing by One named 'The Bloody Boat' they spy.

A happy fellow steered it past Heading out to the Channel vast. At this they could not help but laugh For thinking of his better half.

Gerald Levenson

Now Dorset