 | A book of Bristol sonnets |  |
98
THE LIGHTS AT THE HARBOUR MOUTH,
AS SEEN FROM THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE.
Have then thy ships sailed home from foreign shoresWith tropic phosphorescence in their wake,
That, through the night, these sullen waters break
In stars about the gloomy harbour doors?
Or was the wealth that through the gateway pours
So wishful, Avon, that thine arms should take
Nuggets of glittering gold for friendship's sake,
Or fee for safe conveyance of it's stores?
Slow through the dark the cautious steamers glide,
With rosy lights enjewelled, stem and stern;
And, entering safe their port, on either side
Thank-offering torches shall those jewels burn;
That all the City's wakeful ones may learn
How much they owe to yonder patient tide!
| A book of Bristol sonnets | |