Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONGS IN ABSENCE: 14 by ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH

Poet Analysis

First Line: O SHIP, SHIP, SHIP
Last Line: COME QUICKLY WITH IT TO ME.
Subject(s): LOVE; REUNIONS; SHIPS & SHIPPING;
O SHIP, ship, ship,
That travellest over the sea,
What are the tidings, I pray thee,
Thou bearest hither to me?

Are they tidings of comfort and joy,
That shall make me seem to see
The sweet lips softly moving
And whispering love to me?

Or are they of trouble and grief,
Estrangement, sorrow, and doubt,
To turn into torture my hopes,
And drive me from Paradise out?

O ship, ship, ship,
That comest over the sea,
Whatever it be thou bringest,
Come quickly with it to me.



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