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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SEA-SECRETS by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE

First Line: LITTLE ONE, WOMAN-ONE, WHITHER ARE YOU SAILING?
Last Line: IS MY HEART YOUR HAVEN, OR HIS?
Subject(s): FIDELITY; LOVE AFFAIRS; SAILING & SAILORS; SEA; SECRETS; FAITHFULNESS; CONSTANCY; SEAMEN; SAILS; OCEAN;

@2L@1ITTLE one, woman-one, whither are you sailing?
From far at sea your slender craft is heading for the haven,—
But harbour's here, and harbour's there, and all unavailing
Are the eyes that strain to see your course, the lips to give you hailing;—
Homing one, flash it me,—whether for woe or bliss:
Is my heart your haven, or his?

Little one, woman-one, I fear me he is dreaming,—
Young Cupid at the wheel there, so carelessly he turns it;
Whisper to him, tell him you are tired of seeming,
That you in port would be, beyond the fitful waters' gleaming;—
Come, then, a sea-secret! Silently breathe me this:
Is my heart your haven, or his?



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