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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE SHIP OF STATE by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS

Poet Analysis

First Line: BEWARE, O BARK, THE WAVES THAT WISH TO
Last Line: AND SHUN THE TREACHEROUS WATERS OF THE SHINING CYCLADES.
Subject(s): SAILING & SAILORS; SEA; SEA VOYAGES; SHIPS & SHIPPING; SEAMEN; SAILS; OCEAN;
BEWARE, O bark, the waves that wish to tear thee from these shores;
And bravely seek the harbor, for thy sides are reft of oars;
See how thy broken mast and yards are groaning in the gale!
Unsound, alas! thy ropeless hull! Unsafe thy shredded sail!

Thou hast no gods to call upon when Sable Care is thine;
The sailor trusts no showy sterns, though built of Pontic pine.
O ship that wert my woe, that art my love, avoid the seas
And shun the treacherous waters of the shining Cyclades.



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