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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CARGOES by JOHN MASEFIELD

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: QUINQUIREME OF NINEVEH FROM DISTANT OPHIR
Last Line: FIREWOOD, IRON-WARE, AND CHEAP TIN TRAYS.
Subject(s): SEA; SHIPBUILDING; SHIPS & SHIPPING; OCEAN;

QUINQUIREME of Nineveh from distant Ophir
Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine,
With a cargo of ivory,
And apes and peacocks,
Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine.

Stately Spanish galleon coming from the Isthmus,
Dipping through the Tropics by the palm-green shores,
With a cargo of diamonds,
Emeralds, amethysts,
Topazes, and cinnamon, and gold moidores.

Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack
Butting through the Channel in the mad March days,
With a cargo of Tyne coal,
Road-rail, pig-lead,
Firewood, iron-ware, and cheap tin trays.



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