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The REAL Sailor’s Creed.

I know I haven’t posted in forever, but my job is taking up my life at the moment. However, I was out at a local bar here in Singapore, and on the wall was a picture of a ship with this inscription. I dub it:

The REAL Sailor’s Creed.

Between the security of childhood and the insecurity of second childhood we find a fascinating group of humanity called Sailors. They come in all assorted sizes, weights and sobriety. They can be found anywhere, on ships at sea, in shorebases, in bars, in love and always in debt. Girls love them, towns tolerate them and the government support them. A sailor is laziness with a pack of cards, bravery with tattooed arms and the protector of the sea.

They have the energy of a turtle, the slyness of a fox, the brains of an idiot, the stories of a sea captain, the sincerity of a liar and aspirations of a Casanova, and when he wants something it is usually connected with a request form.

Some of his interests are: Women, Dames, Girls, Females and the Opposite sex

He dislikes answering letters, wearing his uniform, superior officers, Navy food and working.

No one else can cram into one small pocket: A little green book, A packet of cards, A picture of his girl, A comb, And what’s left of his last months pay

He likes to spend some of his money on girls, some on beer, some on poker and the rest foolishly.

A sailor is a magic creature; you can lock him out of your home but not your heart. You can scratch him off your mail list but not off your mind.

His is your long away from home love and your one and only bleary-eyed good-for-nothing bundle of worries, but all your shattered dreams become insignificant when your sailor docks, looks at you with those bloodshot bleary eyes and says – “Hiya Honey”.

9 Comments

  1. Missy says:

    I don’t know any sailors … but they sound so endearing and cuddly – like a laborador. :)

  2. This is represents the kind of ’spirit’ that was present when I was on active duty. I hope there’s still some of it left.

  3. The Chopstick Report says:

    Jim – Great posting! Hope you’re not too upset with me about all the DoDDS ranting and raving. As you can see, teachers love to gripe, just like sailors!

  4. Tom Goering says:

    Excellent. :)

  5. CAPT. Zack says:

    Oh so true

  6. PigeonMan says:

    John…I don’t think the Navy is in any way the way it was back then. =(

  7. Mommy says:

    I love sailors…two in particular…Jim and his brother Jarrod!!!

  8. Dennis Swing says:

    I’m on my last year in the Navy before I retire and I’m here to tell you that political correctness has changed the face of the Navy for better or for worse…it’s not the Navy I signed up for but it is what it is..I plant on writing a book about it from my focal point, though I’ve read many out there. I have witnessed it from the bar fines in Olongapo to the now Trafficking in persons act that will get you Cour Martialed if you’re even caught around a lady of the night.. Since the tailhook incident things have slowly changed….from crossing the line to the CPO initiation(oooh I’m sorry indoctrination)

  9. It is a excellent posting, but I don’t know any sailors…

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