To The Sole Concern Poem by Stéphane Mallarmé

To the sole concern in voyaging
Beyond an India dark and splendid
– Let it be time’s message, this greeting
Cape that your stern doubled

As on some low yard plunging
Along with the vessel riding
Skimmed in constant frolicking
A bird bringing fresh tidings

That without the helm flickering
Shrieked in pure monotones
An utterly useless bearing
Night, despair, and precious stones

Reflected by its singing so
To the smile of pale Vasco.