Naval monologue

[Aquagility]

Can any old matelots remember the words of the story about the stoker who, having been blown up by a torpedo, had to report to the Orderly Archangel, Gabriel by name?

[dannydingbat]

This was a generic poem about someone who died and when to heaven and when Gabriel found out what he did for a job, agreed that he had already been to hell so could enter heaven.

It has been used for many occupations. Here is a version about miners. Just substitute "navy" or "teaching" to make it apt to you.

Heaven or Hell?

A Welshman stood at the Golden Gate his head bowed low,
He meekly asked the man of fate the way that he should go.

"What have you done" The Angel said "To gain admission here"
"I merely mined for coal" he said, "for many a long year"

Gabriel opened wide the gate and softly tolled the bell,
"Come and choose your harp" he said, you've had your share of hell

[Aquagility]

Thanks, dannydingbat. Very good, but not what I was looking for. Stoker 'Awkins, if I remember, had to choose between polishin' the portals, sorting out clouds, or 'arpin.

[dannydingbat]

Sorry mate, my dad, an old salt, never told me that one. I'll see if there's a copy in his papers - he liked that sort of thing.