Shapes of Clay

He looked upon the ships as they

All idly lay at anchor,

Their sides with gorgeous workmen gay—

The riveter and planker—

Republicans and Democrats,

Statesmen and politicians.

He saw the swarm of prudent rats

Swimming for land positions.

He marked each "belted cruiser" fine,

Her poddy life-belts floating

In tether where the hungry brine

Impinged upon her coating.

He noted with a proud regard,

As any of his class would,

The poplar mast and poplar yard

Above the hull of bass-wood.

He saw the Eastlake frigate tall,

With quaintly carven gable,

Hip-roof and dormer-window—all

With ivy formidable.

In short, he saw our country's hope

In best of all conditions—

Equipped, to the last spar and rope,

By working politicians.

He boarded then the noblest ship

And from the harbor glided.

"Adieu, adieu!" fell from his lip.

Verdict: "He suicided."

1881.