Moonship

The moon, a silver ship on a vast ocean sailing - sailing - - - - sailing - - - - - - forever.

 

Moonship (Time and tide wait for no moon)               

 

The sun in rising cleaves the night

With darkness-piercing ray,

Though dawn is but a feeble light

To herald in the day.

 

Time’s measured tread unvarying moves

On scale of twenty four,

While warmth of day in concert proves

The truth of nature’s law

 

That light and heat in unison

To keep the earth alive

Provide the daily benison

That earth and man may thrive.

 

At noon, above, the sun is high;

Both man and beast seek shade,

Which Nature has provided

With cool and pleasant glade.

 

Shadows lengthen, sun descends,

Extending gnomon’s arc;

While shade the light of day transcends;

Once more, the world is dark.

 

But Lo! Sky’s sparklers come in sight

Then silver barque sets sail;

The moon, as yet a feeble light

Proves sun will yet prevail.

 

Time goes on, the morn will dawn

Day’s course will never fail

Reflected in the evening sun,

The moonship sets full sail

 

Forever sailing round the world

The ship approaches port,

A mere four weeks, then sails are furled

And harbour must be sought.

 

The sun is rising in the east,

The ship at anchor rides;

A day to turn is all she has

To catch the sunset tide.

 

 

                        John L. Berry, 10^th February 2005

Reviews

[Emily Elizabeth]

A very beautiful poem set somewhere between dreams and reality. Once again you have astounded me with your fantastic imagery. I also love the pace of this poem, it moves so determined, and you have a great sense of timing. The structure of it is bold, which suits the subject matter.
My only criticism is that the rhyming seems a bit loose-

That light and heat in unison
To keep the earth alive
Provide the daily benison
That earth and man may thrive.

The last line seems a bit awkward, and 'thrive' doesn't seem to fit.
That is my only criticism, otherwise the poem is perfect! :3

[Lily1111]

It is so lovely to read your wonderful poems again. Especially this, one of my absolute favorites.
I just love the closing lines:

The sun is rising in the east,
The ship at anchor rides;
A day to turn is all she has
To catch the sunset tide.

I can't decide if words love John or John loves words, but I suspect it is quite mutual.

This poem is sailing right into my favorites!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Always like poems with the moon in them. This was no exception, "wait for no moon" eh? cute. I said the pock marked craters were braille directions for blind angels to find their way home. But a moon with no love is a sad delight from a satellite. lol

[Samuel Dickens]

I've watched the spectacle of which you speak many times, from the middle of the ocean. Above the Atlantic, Mediteranean, Pacific, Aegean, Carribean, or south China sea, it's always impressive. A great job of writing, and thanks for sharing. Sam