Little Fishermen

A little ship goes out to sea

As soon as we have finished tea;

Off yonder where the big moon glows

This tiny little vessel goes,

But never grown-up eyes have seen

The ports to which this ship has been;

Upon the shore the old folks stand

Till morning brings it back to land.

In search of smiles this little ship

Each evening starts upon a trip;

Just smiles enough to last the day

Is it allowed to bring away;

So nightly to some golden shore

It must set out alone for more,

And sail the rippling sea for miles

Until the hold is full of smiles.

By gentle hands the sails are spread;

The stars are glistening overhead

And in that hour when tiny ships

Prepare to make their evening trips

The sea becomes a wondrous place,

As beautiful as mother's face;

And all the day's disturbing cries

Give way to soothing lullabies.

No clang of bell or warning shout

Is heard on shore when they put out;

The little vessels slip away

As silently as does the day.

And all night long on sands of gold

They cast their nets, and fill the hold

With smiles and joys beyond compare,

To cheer a world that's sad with care.