SHIPS

Egyptians built boats, about 8000 years ago,
Depicted in their paintings, is how we now know!
 Dutch and English, competing for shipping trade,
Some 17th century vessels, tossed and lost, I'm afraid!
Clipper Ships, once ruled the waves, in the rough Sea,
The last, the "America", launched in New York, in l853!
And many powerful shipping lines, then came to be!
Monthly, the "Black Ball"...from New York to Liverpool!
Powerful owners, using larger, faster ships....to rule!
The London Line, the Havre Line, and the Red Star!
With 1000 tons of cargo, they could travel very far!
Then, the "Canada", in 16 days, crossed the great Atlantic,
This encouraged others and made competition frantic,
"The Red Jacket" came and did the same, in just 14 days!
Faster and faster, for this kind of speed....always pays!
 Spices, from the Indies and tea trade, from the Orient,
Precious gold, from California, was loaded....and sent!
Chinese "junks" sailed the rivers...and docked in Hong Kong,
Homes to many,who remained on them, the whole day long!
The "Sea Witch" sailed swiftly, right around Cape Horn!
We know, that sailors aren't made!!....Sailors are truly born!!
The "Lightning", from Boston to Liverpool, in 14 days, too,
In one day only, 436 miles.............. if that story is true!
With high, strong mast and enormous spread of sails,
Back and forth...wide expanse of water...a ship seldom fails!
Now, our modern steel giants....no sails....and so immense!
Luxurious, floating cities....appealing to modern, extravagance!

Pauline Banning
W3-970-97-D10