Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ROVER'S SONG, by ELIZA COOK


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ROVER'S SONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I'm afloat! I'm afloat on the fierce rolling tide
Last Line: Hurrah, boys! Hurrah, boys! The rover is free!
Subject(s): Sea; Wandering & Wanderers; Ocean; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes


I'm afloat! I'm afloat on the fierce rolling tide;
The ocean's my home! and the bark is my bride!
Up -- up with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea;
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free!

I fear not a monarch -- I heed not the law;
I've a compass to steer by, a dagger to draw;
And ne'er as a coward or slave will I kneel!
While my guns carry shot, or my belt bears a steel!

Quick -- quick -- trim her sails; let her sheets kiss the wind;
And I warrant we'll soon leave the sea-gull behind;
Up -- up with my flag! let it wave o'er the sea!
I'm afloat! I'm afloat! and the rover is free!

The night gathers o'er us; the thunder is heard;
What matter? our vessel skims on like a bird;
What to her is the dash of the storm-ridden main?
She has braved it before, and will brave it again!

The fire-gleaming flashes around us may fall;
They may strike; they may cleave; but they cannot appal.
With lightnings above us, and darkness below,
Through the wild waste of waters right onward we go!

Hurrah! my brave crew! ye may drink! ye may sleep;
The storm-fiend is hushed; we're alone on the deep;
Our flag of defiance still waves o'er the sea;
Hurrah, boys! hurrah, boys! the rover is free!





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