A Ship's Light

[John Wertz]

When e'er a ship stands out to sea,

Its light a streaking arrow,

Of what has been and what's to be,

I'm shot through to the marrow.

The heavens blacken all around,—

Stars strewn as golden dust.

Still, still lays wide Port Royal Sound;

Cool damp lays wanderlust!

Where do you sail, small ship of mine?

When might you well return?

All harbors of this world are thine;

Their secrets I would learn.

---

This is from a series with children in mind.

[Bobby Del Boy]

Go discover the world children of mine and if you need shelter from the storm we'll leave the light on for you. Nice write John!

[John Wertz]

Thanks Bobby.

[grant hayes]

This is perfect for all ages, John. I applaud your motive to compose this sort of work for children. Thankfully it's not lightweight or singsong 'silly' - not that I dislike silly things, but there's enough of that already, and a great need for poetry that's accessible to young people without 'laughing it up', or 'dumbing down'.

[grant hayes]

BTW it is quite simply a beautiful poem, in every way.

[John Wertz]

Thanks for the read and kind words.

[Tanner]

JW, this is just beautiful. If you don't know already about it, you might enjoy some of the poetry written for children (but with adults in mind) by the Canadian writer and poet, Dennis Lee. The illustrations in his books are marvellous. He like you writes poems at various levels of interpretation.

[John Wertz]

Thanks for the tip. I don't know lee and will be sure to check it out;

[lunar glide]

Though intended for children this is a big boy IMO. I would read this to a child side by side with treasure island...

[imrogue]

beautiful poem!

[John Wertz]

Thanks for the read. Glad you enjoyed, imrogue.

[AlexandratheLate]

This is beautiful John. :-)

[John Wertz]

Thanks much, Alexandra..

[MHenry]

Someone is off on a great adventure! This does look very much like a series of children's adventures that would entrance and enthrall.
Very nice, John.

[John Wertz]

Thanks MHenry. I've loved the thrill of travel all my live, but just lately home is gaining appeal. Must mean I am officially an old person.