Tasmanian Words: Celeste
Where went that fine vessel, the Celeste? Graeme's poem reflects on a great mystery.
(We eyed her next the jetty where she berthed)
Men deemed her the fleet's very best vessel.
Her steel keel, her sheer stem, the level deck
Where met her sleekly-swept stern spelt speed —
Yet where sped she when she left the levee?
West she went, yet where next steered her helm?
Every swell's green crest the crew met deftly,
Heedless, they, the restless, sleepless deep.
Blessed she seemed, yet where went she?
She never knew Eves Eden's eddy.
She knew Hell's wet depths when sent there!
When, then? When seven bells knelled her end.
Beseeched she help, yet help never sent;
Wrecked! when the reef's keen edge
Cleft her steel-strengthened belly.
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