SEA CHANGES

WE stood among the boats and nets;

We saw the swift clouds fall,

We watched the schooners scamper in

Before the sudden squall;—

The jolly squall strove lustily

To whelm the sheltered street —

The merry squall that piled the seas

About the patient headland's knees

And chased the fishing fleet.

She laughed; as if with wings her mirth

Arose and left the wingless earth

And all tame things behind;

Rose like a bird, wild with delight

Whose briny pinions flash in flight

Through storm and sun and wind.

Her laughter sought those skies because

Their mood and hers were one,

For she and I were drunk with love

And life and storm and sun!

And while she laughed, the Sun himself

Leapt laughing through the rain

And struck his harper hand along

The ringing coast; and that wind-song

Whose joy is mixed with pain

Forgot the undertone of grief

And joined the jocund strain,

And over every hidden reef

Whereon the waves broke merrily

Rose jets and sprays of melody

And leapt and laughed again.