GREY drizzling mists the moorlands drape, Rain whitens the dead sea, From headland dim to sullen cape Grey sails creep wearily. I know not how that merchantman Has found the heart; but 't is her plan Seaward her endless course to shape. Unreal as insects that appall A drunkard's peevish brain, O'er the grey deep the dories crawl, Four-legged, with rowers twain: Midgets and minims of the earth, Across old ocean's vasty girth Toiling -- heroic, comical! I wonder how that merchant's crew Have ever found the will! I wonder what the fishers do To keep them toiling still! I wonder how the heart of man Has patience to live out its span, Or wait until its dreams come true. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES THE EVENING CLOUD by JOHN WILSON (1785-1854) IMAGES: 1 by RICHARD ALDINGTON VAIN EXCUSE by WALTER CONRAD ARENSBERG EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 2. MUTUAL LOVE by PHILIP AYRES TWELVE SONNETS: 2 by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |