Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LEAP FOR LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Old ironsides at anchor lay
Last Line: And fainted on the deck!
Alternate Author Name(s): Morris, George Perkins
Variant Title(s): The Main Truck
Subject(s): Constitution (ship); Courage; Valor; Bravery


Old Ironsides at anchor lay,
In the harbor of Mahon;
A dead calm rested on the bay --
The waves to sleep had gone;
When little Jack, the captain's son,
With gallant hardihood,
Climbed shroud and spar -- and then upon
The main-truck rose and stood!
A shudder ran through every vein --
All eyes were turned on high!
There stood the boy, with dizzy brain,
Between the sea and sky!
No hold had he above -- below,
Alone he stood in air!
At that far height none dared to go --
No aid could reach him there.
We gazed -- but not a man could speak! --
With horror all aghast
In groups, with pallid brow and cheek,
We watched the quivering mast.
The atmosphere grew thick and hot,
And of a lurid hue,
As, riveted unto the spot,
Stood officer and crew.
The father came on deck -- He gasped,
"O, God, Thy will be done!"
Then suddenly a rifle grasped,
And aimed it at his son!
"Jump far out, boy! into the wave!
Jump, or I fire!" he said:
"That only chance your life can save!
Jump -- jump, boy!" -- He obeyed.
He sank -- he rose -- he lived -- he moved --
He for the ship struck out!
On board we hailed the lad beloved
With many a manly shout.
His father drew, in silent joy,
Those wet arms round his neck,
Then folded to his heart the boy,
And fainted on the deck!







Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net