Remember!


     A key of brass or of chrome plated steel
     stowed on a shelf high up and away.
     Pounded by fingers or stroked by feel,
     have served with distinction, each had it's day.

     From out of the past we can hear "CQD",
     and the more modern "SOS".
     Both are signals that Guardsmen did heed,
     no longer copied by the nations best.

     What Morse gave us ages ago.
     "What hath God wrought", it was said.
     Will only be memories, no longer to flow,
     from trained hands, by transmitters fed.

     Some will deny that it is for the best.
     "Zeta Upsilon Tau", the cry.
     Faster means are sending it without a rest.
     Even it's nemesis, Teletype will die.

     Computer screens, down links and phones,
     makes one wonder what will be.
     Laser lights, auto copiers and drones,
     take away the feelings that were free.

     Progress it is called, maybe it's better also.
     Even now the mission is the same,
     whether by keyboard or a spark gap glow,
     to transmit and receive on a reliable plain.

     RMs changed to TCs, remaining as before.
     Dedicated professionals who lead the way,
     for those that follow the new means, to explore.
     Are they satellites? TV? or lasers? who can say.

     Now, as things are changed and moving forward,
     remember the dusty key upon the shelf.
     It, the same as me once served aboard
     Even as yourself.


               Ralph H. Davis Jr. RMCS
               U.S.Coast Guard Retired
               ZUT-10