On Wind And Wave

I look across the sea today

     And all is drear and desolate;

No ships in sight,

               No ray of light,

Across the dim horizon’s gate.

The waves break on the nearby shore

     In dreariness and monotone;

With plaintive wail

              The sea-birds sail

     Above the ocean’s sullen moan.

My heart is on the sea today,

     Adrift for leagues beyond the lea;

O, will the tide

              My heart abide,

     Or will it founder far at sea?

Aug. 4, 1901