Harry Leslie St. Clair, my great grandfather (Mom's Mom's dad), published a short book of poetry in 1922. I stumbled on it by accident while looking online for information about him.
Memory's Ship
I'm master of a wondrous ship
That sails a silent sea;
I've steered her course on many a trip --
A phantom ship is she.
Where'er I choose in thought to rest,
And view the scenes of yore,
I'm borne in safety on my quest
To the desired shore.
In memory's ship I touch again
The shores of childhood's joy.
The world as one big playhouse then
Seemed made to charm a boy;
When curiosity was keen
And every sense alert,
E'er sorrow's night had come between
Or sin had left its hurt.
In memory's ship I sail away
To lands I've known before,
Where friendship's joys made glad the day
And love-light kissed the shore.
Where starlit skies and summer's breeze
Were like an angel's court,
And kindred souls oft met at ease --
I linger at this port.
When heart is weary and needs rest,
I seek a distant shrine,
Where last a mother's lips impressed
A kiss of love on mine;
Where first I breathed a humble prayer
And answering peace was given,
My good ship memory takes me there --
To me the gate of heaven.
