The Poetry Corner

O ship, ship, ship

By Arthur Hugh Clough

O ship, ship, ship, That travellest over the sea, What are the tidings, I pray thee, Thou bearest hither to me? Are they tidings of comfort and joy, That shall make me seem to see The sweet lips softly moving And whispering love to me? Or are they of trouble and grief, Estrangement, sorrow, and doubt, To turn into torture my hopes, And drive me from Paradise out? O ship, ship, ship, That comest over the sea, Whatever it be thou bringest, Come quickly with it to me.