God fashioned the ship of the world carefully. <br />With the infinite skill of an All-Master <br />Made He the hull and the sails, <br />Held He the rudder <br />Ready for adjustment. <br />Erect stood He, scanning His work proudly. <br />Then -- at fateful time -- a wrong called, <br />And God turned, heeding. <br />Lo, the ship, at this opportunity, slipped slyly, <br />Making cunning noiseless travel down the ways. <br />So that, forever rudderless, it went upon the seas <br />Going ridiculous voyages, <br />Making quaint progress, <br />Turning as with serious purpose <br />Before stupid winds. <br />And there were many in the sky <br />Who laughed at this thing.<br /><br />Stephen Crane<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/god-fashioned-the-ship-of-the-world/
