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