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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE SCHOONER CASCO, DEAR TO R.L.S. by GRACE HAZARD CONKLING

First Line: HAS HE FORSAKEN HEAVEN QUITE
Last Line: TO ANCHOR IN THE FLOATING MOON.
Subject(s): BOATS;
Has he forsaken heaven quite,
Where is no sail nor any sea,
And for the sake of lost delight
Evaded immortality,
To feel the wind that sets you free,
And tempt you to a wide blue flight
Where any trailing dawn may be
Deep-fringed with breakers bursting white?

Would he exchange all Paradise
For islands arabesqued with morn,
In your slim shape the magic lies,
And to such honor were you born.
For him shall peace grow less forlorn,
Who has the sea-light in his eyes,
And hears Orion's hunting-horn
Cry challenge down the blazing skies?

Now men forget what dawns you knew,
What painted sunsets flaring far:
For these calm coasts they destine you,
Nor think whose Silver Ship you are.
Oh leaping bow and thrilling spar
And canvas bright against the blue,
Your Skipper steers you for a star!
Obey him as you used to do.

So shall you tread again the floor
Uncharted you were wont to roam,
And flee in ecstasy before
The squalls that fail to drive you home:
Shall hear his laughter as of yore,
When the cloud breaks, the green waves comb,
And make his spirit glad once more
With flagons of enchanted foam!

But when the ocean's azure swoon
Glasses some isle of memories,
Steal thither softly, to maroon
Your wilful master, if he please!
Slip in by night behind the trees
Of its star-paven deep lagoon,
And drift across the Pleiades
To anchor in the floating moon.



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