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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TWO SHIPS by FRANCIS BRET HARTE

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS I STAND BY THE CROSS ON THE LONE MOUNTAIN'S CREST
Last Line: TO THE SHIP THAT IS WAITING FOR ME.
Subject(s): RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

As I stand by the cross on the lone mountain's crest,
Looking over the ultimate sea,
In the gloom of the mountain a ship lies at rest,
And one sails away from the lee:
One spreads its white wings on a far-reaching track,
With pennant and sheet flowing free;
One hides in the shadow with sails laid aback, --
The ship that is waiting for me!

But lo, in the distance the clouds break away!
The Gate's glowing portals I see;
And I hear from the outgoing ship in the bay
The song of the sailors in glee:
So I think of the luminous footprints that bore
The comfort o'er dark Galilee,
And wait for the signal to go to the shore,
To the ship that is waiting for me.



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