Black Captain
Ever see someone do so well
That none could ever stop him
Commanding o'er the hardest swell
With no force or fault to top him
Well, under all and every word
Who lights and inspires some higher desires
And allows him to do what he can
What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go
I was his true and he bade my fortune
And he leapt from on top of my shoulder
He could lead pure when my worship was sure
And many times even step bolder
He loved me and needed, saw trouble and greeted
For trouble is best met head on
What seems so distinguished became plainly vanquished
When I left to find life on my own
What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go
Now men laugh at him and say
That better men number in thousands
Nobody ever goes out of his way
To lessen his clowns as they crowd him
And I am nearby and I watch with a sigh
As my captain curls up like a cripple
And hope that he goes where nobody knows
Under sea and leaves not a ripple
What power he has only I know
And now I have let my captain go