At Sea

'Farewell and adieu' was the burden prevailing

Long since in the chant of a home-faring crew;

And the heart in us echoes, with laughing or wailing,

  Farewell and adieu.

Each year that we live shall we sing it anew,

With a water untravelled before us for sailing

And a water behind us that wrecks may bestrew.

The stars of the past and the beacons are paling,

The heavens and the waters are hoarier of hue:

But the heart in us chants not an all unavailing

  Farewell and adieu.