The Poetry Corner

The Two Ships

By Bret Harte (Francis)

As I stand by the cross on the lone mountains crest, Looking over the ultimate sea, In the gloom of the mountain a ship lies at rest, And one sails away from the lea: One spreads its white wings on a far-reaching track, With pennant and sheet flowing free; One hides in the shadow with sails laid aback, The ship that is waiting for me! But lo! in the distance the clouds break away, The Gates glowing portals I see; And I hear from the outgoing ship in the bay The song of the sailors in glee. So I think of the luminous footprints that bore The comfort oer dark Galilee, And wait for the signal to go to the shore, To the ship that is waiting for me.