THE VOICE THAT SPOKE TO ME

For I am sailing these fierce Arctic seas 
Berth place for three thousand men 
I shout to wake them, if they please 
To come back home with me again. 
 
Imagine I could make them wake 
To make them come with me 
Undrench their eyes for Heaven’s sake 
And heed them lively to my plea. 
 
Imagine I could make them dream 
Of life beyond this sickened sea 
Where salty bones on the northern beam 
Could remake themselves and follow me. 
 
But standing taut near the heaving prow 
My frozen face tormenting me 
A voice, chastising, would not allow 
My thoughts on their immortality. 
 
‘Go now and leave these three thousand boys 
Leave these slumbering boys with Me 
For they shall sleep the sleep of joys 
All loved, all safe in My eternity.’