Empress of Oceans

Cecil Hemley

She who is west of Liverpool
Riding the green waves with nothing to do
But ride the green waves and nothing to be
But a great white liner cutting through fog,

                                CEcıL HEMLEY

She who is banner ship, largest ship,
Longest ship, empress of oceans,
See on her decks the dancers and strollers,
Hear through her portholes the strumming music,

Here on this green spot almost like carpet,
Over the whale's home where porpoise are
Playing-white in this vastness and
Completely herself, having no traffic

With other wanderers, interloper,
On her way passing through, disinterested;
Whooo, Whooo, bellowing at fog-
Where is she going? Into the fog

With those gay travelers? Where is her final
Port after the ferrying back to the docks
And back to the docks? Our sweat and our
Genius-always through dark seas.