We wept, we cried, we swarmed aboard, we kissed her weary decks,
We made a thousand seaweed leis and hung them round our necks.
We danced, we laughed; our salted eyes flowed tears without relief,
For it was good to know at last the end of all her grief.
We built a superstructure, casemates, turrets, funnel, jack.
We fitted out compartments and we put the galley back.
We mustered on the quarterdeck and bowed our heads in thanks,
And mourned for those, our shipmates, who were missing from the ranks.
We stationed watch and quarters and we stowed our gear below.
We manned the bridge and sea-details, and rode the undertow.
Some evening in the sunset of a bright and happy day
We’ll come steaming through the Golden Gate for San Francisco Bay!
NIGHT
Night is a stricken bird whose breast is laid against the earth,
Whose broken wings both comfort and surround the compassed air.
Night is a fallen sparrow boys have stoned in spending small
Or token sums of their vast wealth’s amazing cruelty.
Night is a stricken bird whose heart has throbbed against my own,
Whose broken wings have brushed my cheek, whose beak has hit my lip.
Night is a restless fellow gone to bed, who cannot sleep,
Yet will not rise to walk the parks and barter with desire.
Night is all the sewers of a frustrate mind
Spewing up positioned nudes inseminating one another!
FOR ALL HEROES
Here are the guys who have died for the world,
Died for the battles in which they were hurled,
Died for the flags that have long since been furled,
And on this cross, Christ!
Here are the bastard, expendable lot,
Here are the laughs when the laughter is not,
Here are the guys who are always forgot,
And on this cross, Christ!
Look, you! Behold through the beard and the blood,
The face of the lover inflamed with the crud;
See the strong limbs that lie still in the mud.
Look on the red lips that open no more.
What does it matter by what gods they swore?
War’s the procurer and here lies his whore!
What can you say to a guy when he’s dead?
Kneel down beside him, lift up his head?
Thank what you thank it was not you instead?
And on this cross?