Lillian Morrison's "Tugboat at Daybreak" is a short, evocative poem that captures the quiet majesty of a tugboat working at dawn. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, and it evokes a sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature and the industry that works in harmony with it.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the tugboat as it emerges from the darkness of the night:
"A jewel in the river's night,
A tugboat, sleek and light,
Wrestled black waters to the light"
The word "jewel" suggests that the tugboat is a precious object, a valuable asset that plays a vital role in the workings of the port. The phrase "sleek and light" further emphasizes the tugboat's agility and power, as it deftly maneuvers through the water.