Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WELLESLEY FLOAT, by EDWARD NOYES POMEROY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WELLESLEY FLOAT, by                    
First Line: Swan-like in grace and rhythm-like in motion
Last Line: The pageant closes, and the scene is bare.
Subject(s): Boats; Canoes And Canoeing; Navigation; Seashore; Beach; Coast; Shore


Swan-like in grace and rhythm-like in motion,
The fairy navy skims the fairy ocean.

In shade and sheen, with deft manoeuvers pass
The squadrons cruising over crinkling glass.

Like flashing fire-flies, idling to and fro,
The trim canoes illumined come and go.

In the dim sky the crescent moon is hung;
Enchantment's glamour o'er the scene is flung,

For those entranced who crowd the curvéd shore;
Is this a witching dream? Can it be more?

'Tis surely some magician's mockery;
Such loveliness could never really be.

The shells, converging to a centre now,
Assemble star-wise, mooring bow to bow.

A brighter light's illuminating stream,
And boats and rowers all transfigured seem.

The clustered crews a moment's space are still;
Anon their songs the listening silence thrill.

Dreaming of happiness they hope to find,
Singing of days and tasks they leave behind,

They win applause. But ah! they start the tears
Of some recalling their ecstatic years

(Ere trouble came and Heaven denied their prayers)
When youth and health and happiness were theirs.

But now the rushing rockets soar on high,
And flame-like flowers blossom in the sky;

Their loosened petals showered on the air,
The pageant closes, and the scene is bare.





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