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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PEOPLE'S FLEET by ALFRED NOYES

Poet Analysis

First Line: OUT OF HER DARKENED FISHING-PORTS THEY GO
Last Line: A FLEET OF MEMORIES THAT CAN NEVER FAIL.
Subject(s): ENGLAND; SAILING & SAILORS; SHIPS & SHIPPING; ENGLISH;

OUT of her darkened fishing-ports they go,
A fleet of little ships, whose every name --
@3Daffodil, Sea-lark, Rose@1 and @3Surf@1 and @3Snow@1,
Burns in this blackness like an altar-flame;

Out of her past they sail, three thousand strong,
The people's fleet that never knew its worth,
And every name is a broken phrase of song
To some remembered loveliness on earth.

There's @3Barbara Cowie, Comely Bank@1 and @3May@1,
Christened, at home, in worlds of dawn and dew:
There's @3Ruth@1 and @3Kindly Light@1 and @3Robin Gray@1
With @3Mizpah@1. (May that simple prayer come true!)

Out of old England's inmost heart they sail,
A fleet of memories that can never fail.



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