ON THE ATLANTIC

Who stood upon that schooner's driven deck

Last night as reefed and shuddering she hove

Into the twilight and all desperate drove

From wave to angrier wave that sought her wreck?

Who labored at her helm and watched the wind

Stagger the sea with all his stunning might,

Until in dimness dwindling from our sight

She vanished in the wrack that rode behind?

We know not, you and I, but our two souls

That followed as storm-petrels o'er the waves

Felt all the might of Him who sinks or saves,

And all the pity of earth's unreached goals.

Felt all — then swift returning to our love

Dwelt in its peace, uplifted safe above.