lost ships

Upon the grass knelt I,
beside the rippling water.
Upstream, downstream,
the distance drew mine eye.

Where are they?

The breeze loosed a sigh,
the birds sang a joyous song.
Nature took its normal course,
yet worried still was I.

It has been too long.

Finally, a speck drew nigh,
first one sail to crown the horizon,
then three, then five, then
even was clear the sails' dye.

Have they returned?

Mine heart was lifted thereby,