On the polluted slacks
a majestic skeleton of a ship arises,
waits for high tide
so she can weigh anchor
and set sail on a short voyage
from strife torn Jarrow to Amsterdam.
On her bridge the master sees the river Tyne
expand followed by amber dusk
that erases contours of industrial decline
and makes the slacks into a dreamy waterscape.
When night has settled
and fine rain hangs in tired air,
she has sailed.