AT SEA.
OUTSIDE the mad sea ravens for its prey, Shut from it by a floating plank I lie; Through this round window search the faithless sky, The hungry waves that fain would rend and slay, The live-long, blank, interminable way, Blind with the sun and hoarse with the wind's cry Of wild, unconquerable mutiny, Until night comes more terrible than day.
No more at rest am I than wind and wave; My soul cries with them in their wild despair, I, who am Destiny's impatient slave, Who find no help in hope, nor ease in prayer, And only dream of rest, on some dim shore Where sea and storm and life shall be no more.