Poems (Jackson)/Burnt Ships
BURNT SHIPS.
LOVE, sweet Love, who came with rosy sail And foaming prow across the misty sea!O Love, brave Love, whose faith was full and free That lands of sun and gold, which could not fail,Lay in the west, that bloom no wintry gale Could blight, and eyes whose love thine own should be,Called thee, with steadfast voice of prophecy,To shores unknown!O Love, poor Love, avail Thee nothing now thy faiths, thy braveries;There is no sun, no bloom; a cold wind stripsThe bitter foam from off the wave where dipsNo more thy prow; the eyes are hostile eyes;The gold is hidden; vain thy tears and cries;O Love, poor Love, why didst thou burn thy ships?