SONGS OF A SEA-FARER

By Cale Young Rice

Many are on the sea to-day

With all sails set.

The tide rolls in a restive gray,

The wind blows wet.

The gull is weary of his wings,

And I am weary of all things.

Heavy upon me longing lies,

My sad eyes gaze

Across the leagues that sink and rise

And sink always.

My life has sunk and risen so,

I'd have it cease awhile to flow.

All the winds of the sea weary,

All the waves of the sea rest,

All the wants of my heart settle

Softly now in my breast.

All the stars that in heaven anchor,

Golden buoys of Elysian light,

Send me across the gulf promise

That I am faring right.

So while clouds that are left lonely

At the gates of the far West

Wait, so still, for the moon's stiller

Stealing from her nest,

I am held by a low vesper

Haunting afar the vague twilight,

Then with my soul at peace whisper

Hallowedly good-night.