Elizabeth Bishop

Casabianca

Love’s the boy stood on the burning deck
trying to recite ”The boy stood on
the burning deck.” Love’s the son
        stood stammering elocution
        while the poor ship in flames went down.

Love’s the obstinate boy, the ship,
even the swimming sailors, who
would like a schoolroom platform, too,
        or an excuse to stay
        on deck. And love’s the burning boy.