This probably isn't the one you're looking for but it's such a good poem that I couldn't help sharing it! John Masefield is a much neglected poet and was Poet Laureate (British) from 1930 to 1967. When he was a teenager he ran away to sea...(posted 9100 days ago)Cargoes
Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir, Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine, With a cargo of ivory, And apes and peacocks, Sandalwood, cedarwood, and sweet white wine.
Stately Spanish galleon coming from the Isthmus, Dipping through the Tropics by the palm-green shores, With a cargo of diamonds, Emeralds, amythysts, Topazes, and cinnamon, and gold moidores.
Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack, Butting through the Channel in the mad March days, With a cargo of Tyne coal, Road-rails, pig-lead, Firewood, iron-ware, and cheap tin trays.
- John Masefield