Fox Footprints/Adventure

by Elizabeth Jane Coatsworth

For works with similar titles, see Adventure.

Adventure

I shall buy me a sampan shaped like a slipper
With eyes on either side of the prow,
And hoist a sail all ruddy-golden
For the Spice Isles now.
There will be nine Chinamen upon her
With naked backs, like the sail red-gold,
And silks and ivory and jade and amber
Will fill the hold.

I shall sail forever between green islands
While under her poop the wake will grow—
A ripple across the copper waters
In the tropic glow.