I had a silver penny. And an apricot tree. And I said to the sailor. On the white quay. 'Sailor o sailor. Will you bring me. If I give you my penny. And my apricot tree. 'A fez from algeria. An arab drum to beat. A little gilt sword. And a parakeet? '. And he smiled and he kissed me. As strong as death. And I saw his red tongue. And I felt his sweet breath. 'You may keep your penny. And your apricot tree. And I'll bring your presents. Back from sea. '. O the ship dipped down. On the rim of the sky. And I waited while three. Long summers went by. Then one steel morning. On the white quay. I saw a grey ship. Come in from sea. Slowly she came. Across the bay. For her flashing rigging. Was shot away. All round her wake. The seabirds cried. And flew in and out. Of the hole in her side. Slowly she came. In the path of the sun. And I heard the sound. Of a distant gun. And a stranger came running. Up to me. From the deck of the ship. And he said said he. 'O are you the boy. Who would wait on the quay. With the silver penny. And the apricot tree?. 'I've a plum-coloured fez. And a drum for thee. And a sword and a parakeet. From over the sea. '. 'O where is the sailor. With bold red hair?. And what is that volley. On the bright air?. 'O where are the other. Girls and boys?. And why have you brought me. Children's toys? '