Sailing Away To Die
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Ellen Molyneux
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Poetry
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2004
Thousands march along golden shores,
Hopes of return low in their hearts.
Waving good-bye to the land they knew.
Waiting to board the rusty plank,
Leading to a hull dark and dreary.
Where men alike waited for the sound,
That they were on their way.
Women cry upon the cliff,
Watching their fathers, brothers and husbands
Being led away to an unknown land.
Ringing their hankies sodden and dirty.
Holding the sweaty hands of the younger children,
Who do not yet know the meaning of the departure?
Women watching their men sailing away to die.