Original Poetry.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 332, 14 December 1865, Page 1

Original Poetry.

A DEEAIL SttYETIIOUGHT I sailed in a ship, C?®*' Bound for a distant landWe were many in all, both large and small— A motley, joyous band. One night as we smoothly sued along Through a phosphorescent sea. The sailors trolled a merry sea song In cadence wild and free. Some were dancing upon the poop, By tins full moon’s light so sheen. Which lit up the ocean far around— A solemn sight I ween. There were music a. d mirth that beautiful ni"ht In our lonely ship at sea; ’ Not a soul seemed sad, all pleasant and glad And merry as mortals could be. When a fearful ory arose on high. That the ship was in a blaze' The dancers stood as if carv’d in wood. All motionless with amaze. Up shot the lurid tongues of flame • They did burst forth so fast, ’ No human power that fire could tame “ The boats, the boats,” at iast. The boats were launched—too fast indeed— The first went down from view : ' Great haste,” the proverb says, “ less speed ” • Alas! it proved true. The second boat, with its living load Went down as did the first; ’ Wild were the shrieks-I hear them yet— Which from the living burst. Full many an earnest prayer was made On that dread night of death; And some who ne’er before had pray'd Now pray’d whilst they had breath. The raging fiend pursued me Till, stuua’d with fear aud smoke, I plung’d into the glowing sea. And—happily awoke! West Eangitikei, Nov., 1865. C M H