LOVE AT SEA

We are in love's land to-day;

Where shall we go?

Love, shall we start or stay,

Or sail or row?

There's many a wind and way,

And never a May but May;

We are in love's hand to-day;

Where shall we go?

Our landwind is the breath

Of sorrows kissed to death

And joys that were;

Our ballast is a rose;

Our way lies where God knows

And love knows where.

We are in love's hand to-day —

Our seamen are fledged Loves,

Our masts are bills of doves,

Our decks fine gold;

Our ropes are dead maids’ hair,

Our stores are love-shafts fair

And manifold.

We are in love's land to-day —

Where shall we land you, sweet?

On fields of strange men's feet,

Or fields near home?

Or where the fire-flowers blow,

Or where the flowers of snow

Or flowers of foam?

We are in love's hand to-day —

Land me, she says, where love

Shows but one shaft, one dove,

One heart, one hand.

— A shore like that, my dear,

Lies where no man will steer,

No maiden land.