The Poetical Works of Jonathan E. Hoag/The Ship that Sails Away
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The Ship that Sails Away
In early morn, when stars are watching still,
And balmy winds touch rose and daffodil,
And tender leaves on woodland hills afar
Bid welcome to yon flaming morning star;
When birdlings, by their mother's carol blest,
Attend her song in bough-hung, downy nest,
Where she her charge protects with loving care,
Glad as the swaying vine and fragrant air,
Our thoughts on Life's experience we bestow,
And disappointment, all too bitter, know.
When lips would touch Elysian waters sweet,
The cup was dashed untasted at our feet!
And balmy winds touch rose and daffodil,
And tender leaves on woodland hills afar
Bid welcome to yon flaming morning star;
When birdlings, by their mother's carol blest,
Attend her song in bough-hung, downy nest,
Where she her charge protects with loving care,
Glad as the swaying vine and fragrant air,
Our thoughts on Life's experience we bestow,
And disappointment, all too bitter, know.
When lips would touch Elysian waters sweet,
The cup was dashed untasted at our feet!
Though earthly pleasures serve not to restrain,
For those we love we longer would remain;
But unseen hands one day our anchor lift;
We sail away—into the silence drift!
With shaded eyes fixed on the distant shore,
What forms are those we see in realms before?
In waving plumes arrayed, they seem to ask:
"Why tarry ye behind on earthly task?"
The rising anchor grants no more delay;
At last we sail away—we sail away!
For those we love we longer would remain;
But unseen hands one day our anchor lift;
We sail away—into the silence drift!
With shaded eyes fixed on the distant shore,
What forms are those we see in realms before?
In waving plumes arrayed, they seem to ask:
"Why tarry ye behind on earthly task?"
The rising anchor grants no more delay;
At last we sail away—we sail away!
1916