The Ship O' Dreams
Esther M. (Clark) Hill
I built a little ship o' dreams,
As trim as trim could be;
And under most auspicious skies
I sent it out to sea,
And I wondered if fair winds or foul
Would bring it back to me.
I watched the ships put out from port
And many a shining spar
Drifted beyond the harbor lights,
Across the safe home-bar,
Until the last white sail went down
Beyond the farthest star.
Full many a ship came back to port,
As friendly winds incline;
And some bore sorry, drooping masts,
And some rode straight and fine;
Some came with torn and tattered sails,
But nevermore came mine.
My gallant little ship o' dreams,
I watch no more for you,
When all the other ships come home
Through waters gray or blue.
The happiest crafts sometimes are those
That never weather through!