Proudly foats the ocean steamer,-- <br />Throngs aboard and on the pier; <br />With orders, oaths, and farewells mingled, <br />What a medley greats the ear! <br />Off are cast the slack'ning cables; <br />Eager bells their signals ring! <br />While there on shore a group is kneeling; <br />Looking upward, now they sing: <br /> <br />O Thou who holdest, <br />In the hollow of thy hand, <br />All this vast ocean, <br />Unto this far off land; <br />Guard well, we pray thee, <br />When angry billows foam-- <br />Guard well our lov'd ones, <br />And safely bring them home. <br /> <br />What a wondrous transformation! <br />What a magic change of scene! <br />The parted throngs transfix'd are gazing <br />'Cross the gulf that grows between. <br />Heads are bared, and knees are bended; <br />Voices all are silent there, <br />Save but the throbbing of the engine, <br />And that solemn choral prayer: <br /> <br />Rapidly the distance lenghens; <br />We have looked our last adieu,-- <br />For each familiar form and feature <br />Now is fading from our view. <br />Glimpses yet of 'kerchiefs waving; <br />Watching still our friends remain; <br />And, waft by fresh'ning seaward breezes, <br />Faintly, sweetly comes the strain.<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-prayer-on-the-pier/
