THE TALL SHIPS RACE 1972

Posted by Admin on 31 March 2008, 12:00 am

I dreamt of tall ships sailing
from Solent out to sea,
with yards well braced, all clew-lines loose,
their reef-points hanging free.

I dreamt that languid staysails
enticed the halcyon day,
to give each curving forefoot
sufficient steerage-way.

I dreamt of loft vessels
that linked our Now with Then;
of men that rove deep waters –
a special breed of men!

I dreamt of cloud-white canvas
on hazy azure blue;
of brigs, of barques, of full-rigged ships,
and, lo, my dream came true!

T. C. Hudson
1972