A book of Bristol sonnets | ||
144
THE OPENING OF THE AVONMOUTH DOCKS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1877.
Great future generations thronged the Quay!
Stood on our decks the mighty merchant Dead!
As to that prisoned ocean-flood we sped
And shouts proclaimed the open water-way.
Nor universal cheer! for on this day
An ancient City sinks! so Fancy said,
Its temples prayerless, halls untenanted!
Cranes idly drooped, warehouses in decay!
Avon, thine uncomplaining breast no more
With silver arrows shall the rude keels break;
Thine arm, that thankless did for centuries take
Our ships, may rest as in the days of yore;
Another City at thy mouth we make,
Hence send our fortunes, here expect our store!
A book of Bristol sonnets | ||