Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET OF SEAMEN'S UNION, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET OF SEAMEN'S UNION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once on a time the sea was fraught with fear
Last Line: And the weak learn that union is their strength.
Subject(s): Brotherhood; Labor Unions; Sea Pilots; Strength


Once on a time the sea was fraught with fear
For whoso sailed thereon. The shadow of death
Hung over all, and, as old story saith,
He did his work best who the best could steer
'Twixt hidden reef and hovering privateer.
But now 'tis Apathy, Folly, Slander's breath—
'Tis not the half-tamed sea which sundereth
Her children from the safety that's so dear.
Wherefore the time has come for lads at sea
To join strong hands together, till at length
Before their brotherhood the phantoms flee,
Named Brute Oppression, Ignorance, Lust, and Hate,
And the strong learn that Love alone is just,
And the weak learn that Union is their strength.





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