Adhmad farraige

     Driftwood

I saw a  ship sailing, sailing,
Sailing strongly through the sea.
Her bow towards the rising sun,
And she swinging Eastwards.
And she swinging Eastwards.

I saw a great ship sailing,
Exploding though the foam:
A fast traveller, solid and forceful.
Sailing vigourously West.
Sailing vigourously West.

And me, alone on a beach, longing,
Looking at the ships always passing,
Without knowledge of, without interest in, heedless of me,
This rooted driftwood.

I saw a quiet, gentle ship sailing,
Slipping between me and the horizon,
Imaginary, worldly, free,
Sailing peacefully Southwards.
Sailing peacefully Southwards.

I saw a proud ship sailing,
Important, elegant, fine,
With important business in the South
In sweet-named places.
In sweet-named places.