Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FALSE SIGNALS, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FALSE SIGNALS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the days of piracy
Last Line: Stab the god who comes to save.
Subject(s): Sin


In the days of piracy
What a cursed knave was he
Who, to draw his victim near,
Clothed his ship with garb of fear, --
Sails in tattered wretchedness, --
Flying signals of distress.
Then, as unsuspecting ruth
Lured a ship to that untruth,
Sabre stroke and musket shot
Were the thanks the saviors got.

Thus, O God of eager love,
Would my prayers Thy pity move;
This my signal of distress:
"Save me, Lord, from guiltiness!"
Thus, my secret heart within
Cleaving still to deadly sin,
So do I, a cursed knave,
Stab the God who comes to save.





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