TALE OF TWO SHIPS 

(Semi-final Voyage)

 

by J.H. Aldridge -- Oct. 30, 1990

 

 

The Ship of State is going down,

But thousands are boarding now.

Destination: Depths of Despair

Because there is no earthly repair

For the hole in her shattered bow.

 

The Ship of State is going down,

Their spirits all wan and gaunt;

Possessing great store

But exceeding poor;

Willingly ignorant of their want.

 

The Ship of State is going down,

It is sinking at the dock;

And all who stand

With baggage in hand

Are in for quite a shock.

 

The Ship of State is going down.

Lauding her elegance with one accord,

Those crowding the gate

Just can not wait

To get a berth on board.

 

The Ship of State is going down.

They bring aboard their stuff,

Carrying baggage full

Of coin and jewel,

And no one has enough.

 

The Ship of State is going down,

Her passengers are all corrupt.

Those on her decks

Are writing checks

On accounts already bankrupt.

 

The Ship of State is going down.

They run from the rising flood.

But soon they will learn

That, from bow to stern

The hull is full of blood.

 

The Ship of State is going down,

And who can this abide?

Oh, what a shame!

Port Babylon's aflame!

And there is nowhere left to hide.

 

The Ship of State is going down

With guests in their chosen wear.

The Head of steam

Through a bursting seam,

Is clouding up the air.

 

The Ship of State slips under the foam.

There is no captain left in charge.

He was taken away.

There is Hell to pay

In the Abyss which has become large.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

Comparatively few went along

To the Heavenly Star

Where some already are

Waiting for this translated throng.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

Her passengers all banquet-ing

At the Bridegroom's table

With the Man Who Is Able

To save from Death and its Sting.

 

Another ship left an hour ago.

Her passengers were quickly boarded.

So quick was their flight!

What perfect delight!

Unspeakable joy to all was accorded.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

It Had No Beauty To Be Desired,

But that Ship took

The People in the Book

Who had been newly sired.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

With many stately Rooms;

A small passenger Manifest,

No one dragging trunk or chest,

Or trophies, or heirlooms.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

All had their tickets free.

The Fare, none could afford

Until the men at The Board

Punched a Hole into The Fee.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

It will return in seven years;

And all those on board

Who have been with The Lord

Will reign for a thousand years.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

It was a Type of Noah's Ark.

One Body they;

All spirited away

From The Years Of The Flickering Dark.

 

Another Ship left an hour ago.

Vanished in Twinkling of an eye.

All robed in white,

All dressed just alike,

And none had time for "Goodbye".

 

The other Ship will return, you know,

After all has been made new.

The Passengers, all Captains now,

Will show the people all just how

To be an obedient crew.