Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FIRST VOYAGE, by ELIZA COOK


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FIRST VOYAGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: He stood upon the sandy beach
Last Line: The ocean is his home!
Subject(s): Sea Voyages


He stood upon the sandy beach,
And watched the dancing foam;
He gazed upon the leaping waves,
Which soon would be his home.

And then he eyed the sailor's garb,
With look of proud delight:
The flowing kerchief round his neck,
The trowsers, wide and white.

The rose of health upon his cheek,
His forehead fair as day;
Hope played within his hazel eye,
And told his heart was gay.

And many a time the sturdy boy
Longed for the hour to come
Which gave the hammock for his couch,
The ocean for his home!

And now the gallant ship rides nigh,
The wind is fair and free,
The busy hands have trimmed her sails:
She stems the open sea.

The boy again is on the beach;
A mother's arms have pressed him,
A sister's hand is linked in his,
A father's lip hath blessed him.

The eyes that lately sparkled bright
Are swollen with many a tear;
His young heart feels a choking pang,
To part from all so dear.

Another kiss, -- another sob,
And now the struggle's o'er;
He springs into the tiny boat,
And pushes from the shore.

The last sad drop upon his cheek
Falls mingling with the foam:
The sea-bird, screaming, welcomes him;
The ocean is his home!





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