Knots & Splices

by Bruce F. Murphy

Take hold of the bitter end;

pass carefully around

the standing part,

being mindful of the bight.

Finish with a round turn,

make the knot up tight

and it will not slip under load.

But you'll find it not

so easily undone;

dangerous in the dark and cold

and wet, when it matters most.

These knots command allegiances.

The Turk's head and midshipman's bend,

the lighterman's hitch and

the hangman's noose.

See what names mean:

Knots are men.

Facing page—a simple eye-splice.

Apply a whipping at the end

so no strands come loose

in the braid. The knot will hold

Anything you care to bind.