Hand in Hand/Love's Derelict

by Alice MacDonald Fleming

Love's Derelict

I WHO was once full freighted for the sea,
Strong timbered, with my ivory canvas gleaming,
Now drift a battered hulk, all aimlessly,
Sun-shrivelled waveworn, useless tackle streaming.

The water washes, like dull sobs in dreaming,
Across soaked planks that were the deck of me;
I keep no course, who steered so faithfully,
And bear no cargo, who had riches teeming.

Love's Derelict am I, Love's Derelict,
Wrecked by his hand, by him flung to disaster;
Drifting alone, through merciless edict,
Alone, cast out, forgotten of my master.

Strong prows of purpose pity as ye pass
Love's Derelict, Love's Derelict, alas!