OVER THE HUMP
China, to China, and what of the way?
Out of the shadow and into the day.
Turn of the river and stretch of the plain;
Shaft of the sunlight and threat of the rain.
Fallow and forest, and clearing and clump,
Also, you have to get over the Hump.
Follow the flats where the cloud-shadows fall;
Paddy and palm tree and swamp of Bengal;
On, to the land of the wild Assamese;
Nullahs and jungles, and tigers and teas.
Down to refuel your heart gave a thump;
Comb her and kiss her and over the Hump.
Lift her, oh lift her! The cold of the height
Stabs in the cloak of the gathering night;
Bellow of engines and quiver and start;
Catch in the breathing and thud of the heart.
Moisten your lips as we bucket and jump,
Hope for the best - when you're over the Hump.
Mountain on mountain; all cavern'd below
Beckons the wild panorama of snow;
See in the moonlight, untrammeled, untrod,
Rise up in glory the steeples of God;
So, do you feel you're a pretty poor lump?
That's the effect when you're over the Hump.
Steady her, steady her! Earthward she comes;
Clutch to the ache of your shattering drums;
Hark to the screws, how the howl of them droops
Into a hiss as she settles and stoops;
Gently, oh gently! And scarcely a bump;
Down, she is down - and you're OVER the HUMP.
- Eric Crant, Gunner, British Royal Artillery