Derelict
1978.09.02
“Is it possible that I
Here in shallow waters lie,
Keeled to starboard on the sand
Far too near to be to land.
Three strong masts are misty white
Bleached by days of burning light;
Time indeed has done enough
But I’m made of stronger stuff
Than the other wrecks around,
Skeletons upon the sound.
Nothing but their shrivelled bones
Through which tide-rip creeps and moans.
No, my hulk’s as strong to-day,
Strong as when the ladies gay
Walked my decks with sailors bold
Telling tales of days of old,
Then my messroom heard a toast
Earth no finer one could boast.
Yes, its strange to think that I
Here in shallow waters lie,
I who sailed unfathomed seas
Should be lying here at ease.”
“Derelict” from Little Towns, a book of poems by Henrietta
Clarke published in 1934.