'Twas in the awkward stern she sat, And learned to steer the boat, -- A vision in a sailor hat, The sweetest girl afloat. Coldly I had to tell her how, Though it was hard to stay Sedately pulling at the bow A whole boat's length away. Her little hands upon the ropes Were white as baby snow; They drew my fears, my daring hopes, And turned them to and fro! At length I said, "Oh, Lucy dear, Fair helmsman of my life, Now you have learned so well to steer, Come, steer me as my wife!" She said she would; and ever since That sophomoric plea, I've urged -- but never could convince -- 'Twas only simile! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE DAYS OF PRISMATIC COLOR by MARIANNE MOORE SONG OF THE RABBITS OUTSIDE THE TAVERN by ELIZABETH JANE COATSWORTH A VALEDICTION: FORBIDDING MOURNING by JOHN DONNE ECHO [OR, ECHOES] by THOMAS MOORE |