Out in the sky the great dark clouds are massing; <br /> I look far out into the pregnant night, <br /> Where I can hear the solemn booming gun <br /> And catch the gleaming of a random light, <br /> That tells me that the ship I seek <br />is passing, passing. <br /> My tearful eyes my soul's deep hurt are glassing; <br /> For I would hail and check that ship of ships. <br /> I stretch my hands imploring, cry aloud, <br /> My voice falls dead a foot from mine own lips, <br /> And but its ghost doth reach that vessel, passing, passing. <br /> O Earth, O Sky, O Ocean, both surpassing, <br /> O heart of mine, O soul that dreads the dark! <br /> Is there no hope for me? Is there no way <br /> That I may sight and check that speeding bark <br /> Which out of sight and sound is passing, passing?<br /><br />Paul Laurence Dunbar<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ships-that-pass-in-the-night/
