When as a Lad

WHEN, as a lad, at break of day

I watched the fishers sail away,

My thoughts, like flocking birds, would follow

Across the curving sky's blue hollow,

And on and on —

Into the very heart of dawn!

For long I searched the world — ah, me!

I searched the sky, I searched the sea,

With much of useless grief and rueing

Those winged thoughts of mine pursuing —

So dear were they,

So lovely and so far away!

I seek them still and always must

Until my laggard heart is dust

And I am free to follow, follow,

Across the curving sky's blue hollow,

Those thoughts too fleet

For any save the soul's swift feet!