The Poetry Corner

The Ship

By John Collings Squire, Sir

There was no song nor shout of joy Nor beam of moon or sun, When she came back from the voyage Long ago begun; But twilight on the waters Was quiet and grey, And she glided steady, steady and pensive, Over the open bay. Her sails were brown and ragged, And her crew hollow-eyed, But their silent lips spoke content And their shoulders pride; Though she had no captives on her deck, And in her hold There were no heaps of corn or timber Or silks or gold.