Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
America: Vols. XXV–XXIX. 1876–79.
Captain Morrows Thanksgiving
By Lillie E. BarrO
(Captain Morrow of Marblehead,)
And one fine day the sailors said,
“Thanksgiving, sir, to-morrow.”
Our happy homes and loving wives,
And we ’ll win home, if each one strives,
And tell him so, to-morrow.”
Work with laughter went along,
Every heart held promise strong
Of Thanksgiving on the morrow.
The trig ship was a pleasant sight;
On the horizon burst a light:
“What ’s that?” said Captain Morrow.
And then the cry, “A ship on fire!”
“Set sails, my lads, we must go nigher
Though we should lose to-morrow!”
The minute-gun smote every ear;
Then broke the men into a cheer,
“Good boys!” said Captain Morrow.
They backward turned with prayer and shout;
That pleading gun had driven out
All thoughts of their to-morrow.
The Petrel brought to life again,
From out of whelming wave and flame.
“Thank God!” said Captain Morrow.
Between the promised cup and lip;
We ’ll hold ‘Thanksgiving’ in the ship,
And then again to-morrow.”
Kept good Thanksgiving all day long,
In grateful prayer and happy song,
Well led by Captain Morrow.