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A model boat made by a boy in childhood remains after the adult's death, itself an heirloom. Its lasting colours now symbolise the boat of Ra in Egyptian mythology, which carries the soul to safety after the clay of the body is lost.
Notes
First line in Poems 1980-2008 reads : 'The boat made by the boy'
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Notes:
Alternative title appears in Blackberry Season and Poems 1980-2008