How like the city is unto the sea: The mighty wave of commerce breaks and beats In restless surges through the noisy streets, Swayed by the master tide of energy. How many derelicts, long morn to morn, Drift at the mercy of the wind and wave -- The flotsam and the jetsam of the pave -- Deserted, rudderless and tempest-torn. Here move great argosies with gold and bales, Staunch ships that dare the cunning currents' might, And through their long procession dart the light, Swift pleasure craft with sun-emblazoned sails. Yet, am I minded only of one thing -- How much -- how much these smiling waters drown. Dear God, what wrecks this very day went down, Unhailed, unsignalled and unsignalling! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE VAMPIRE by RUDYARD KIPLING HYMNS OF THE MARSHES: SUNRISE by SIDNEY LANIER ON THE SLAIN COLLEGIANS by HERMAN MELVILLE PREPARATORY MEDITATIONS, 1ST SERIES: 38 by EDWARD TAYLOR THE OUTCAST by HELEN MCCRORY ARENDELL |