SS 10 Ship That Never Returned 
                                Henry Clay Work

'Twas a summer's day and the waves were rippled 
By a soft and gentle breeze, 
When a ship set sail with a cargo ladened 
For a port beyond the sea. 

There were fond farewells, loving demonstrations 
By the ones who were most concerned. 
Though they little knew 'twas the fatal voyage 
Of the ship that never returned. 

Did she ever return? No, she never returned, 
And her fate is yet unlearned. 
Though for years and years there were fond hearts watching 
For the ship that never returned. 

Said the feeble lad to his anxious mother, 
"l must cross the deep blue sea, 
For they say, perchance, in some foreign climate 
There is help and strength for me." 

'Twas a gleam of hope in the midst of danger 
And her heart for her youngest yearned. 
But she sent him forth with a smile and a blessing 
On the ship that never returned. 

"Only one more trip," said a gallant seaman 
As he kissed his weeping wife. 
"Only one more bag of the gold and treasure 
And 'twill last us all through life. 

"Then we'll settle down in our cosy cottage 
And enjoy the rest we've earned." 
But alas, poor man, for he sailed commander 
Of the ship that never returned. 

Did she ever return? No, she never returned, 
And her fate is yet unlearned. 
Though for years and years there were fond hearts watching 
For the ship that never returned.

Performer Christine the Good