Virginia Lucas Poetry Scrapbook

"Ballad of the Tempest" by James T. Field

Poem Transcription

BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST
By James T. Field
 
We were crowded in the cabin,
Not a soul would dare to sleep-
It was midnight on the waters,
And the storm was on the deep.
 
'Tis a fearful thing in winter
To be shattered in the blast,
And hear the rattling trumpet
Thunder- "Cut away the mast!"
 
So we shuddered there in silence-
For the stoutest held his breath-
While the hungry sea was roaring,
And the breakers talked with Death.
 
As thus we sat in darkness,
Each one busy in his prayers,
"We are lost!" the captain shouted,
As he staggered down the stairs.
 
But his little daughter whispered,
As she took his icy hand,
"'Isn't God upon the ocean,
Just the same as on the land?"
 
Then he kissed the little maiden,
And we spoke in better cheer,
And we anchored safe in harbor
When the moon was shining clear.
 
 
Information About the Poem

Biography of James T. Fields

Formal Description

Explication of this poem 

This page references: