Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SHIP IN A PIER by ALEXANDER JAVITZ

First Line: A SHIP IS A SLIGHT THING
Last Line: THAT A CITY EVER STOOD!
Subject(s): SHIPS & SHIPPING;

A ship is a slight thing
To moor alongside a city.

Masts are frail
Against steel and stone.

Chanteys are silent
When streets are talking.

Sails are furled
Where the towers rise tall.

A city is white like lightning
And straight like pride --
And a ship is a grey whisper
Tired at its feet . . .

@3If the ship were mine
And the masts black --

If the ship were mine
And the sails bronze --

I would make a chantey
Heavy with gold;

I could forget to know
That a city ever stood!@1



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