A Sea-Shore Grave To M J L

O wish that's vainer than the plash

Of these wave-whimsies on the shore:

"Give us a pearl to fill the gash —

God, let our dead friend live once more!"

O wish that's stronger than the stroke

Of yelling wave and snapping levin;

"God, lift us o'er the Last Day's smoke,

All white, to Thee and her in Heaven!"

O wish that's swifter than the race

Of wave and wind in sea and sky;

Let's take the grave-cloth from her face

And fall in the grave, and kiss, and die!

Look!  High above a glittering calm

Of sea and sky and kingly sun,

She shines and smiles, and waves a palm —

And now we wish — Thy will be done!

By Sidney and Clifford Lanier.