Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONGS OF THE SEA CHILDREN: 113 by BLISS CARMAN

First Line: THE SAILS OF THE SHIP ARE WHITE, LOVE
Last Line: YOU SMILE AND WILL NOT SAY.
Subject(s): LOVE – NATURE OF;
The sails of the ship are white, love;
What are they?
The hauling clouds, you say.
The ropes are weather-worn, love;
What are they?
The strands of rain, you say.
The lights ashore are lit, love;
What are they?
The beacon stars, you say.
How shall we keep the course, love,
By night and day?
By a secret chart, you say.
But how shall we reckon true, love,
Without time of day?
By a tick of the heart, you say.
And how shall we know the land, love,
On that day?
You smile and will not say.



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