MY SHIP
One day I cast my lot upon the troublous tides of life,
And ventured all my hoarded love upon its fitful strife.
On one frail mortal like myself I set the store of years,
And freighted well the ship that day with all my hopes and fears.
With all my hopes (for fears were not, upon that happy day),
And never sign of cloud uprose above my sunlit way!
Ah, me! can life e'er bring again such perfect trust as this,
Such eager hopes, such joyous dreams of ever present bliss?
My ship sailed forth—to many a storm she bared her gallant breast
And still she sails the wide, wide seas, but never finding rest.
One day! Ah, me! 'tis years ago since first I saw her sail,
And sent my prayers and tears for her above the gathering gale!
Will she come back, my noble ship, and captain brave and crew
Of joys and hopes and high resolves, of love both deep and true?
Or, solemn thought! shall she ne'er find the haven here below,
But anchor in the "silent land," beyond Life's ebb and flow,
Beyond vain fret and fond regard, and strivings e'er to see
The reason why so oft denied our dearest hopes should be!