The Sea.

By Annie Fellows Johnston

FOREVER, like a heart that knows no peace,

Like one who wanders weary to and fro

About the earth, but finds no resting-place,

The sweeping tides of ocean ebb and flow.

Like a discarded lover who entreats

For favor still, and will not be denied,

Up to the beach, with soft, caressing touch

And tearful broken whispers, steals the tide.

But still repulsed, it slow and sad withdraws,

Yet at the dear one's feet its treasures lays,

And turns again, to wail its sorrows out

Through all the hopeless nights and dreary days.