Empress of Oceans

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.