Poems : patriotic, religious, miscellaneous / by Abram J. Ryan [electronic text]

WRECKED.

The winds are singing a death-knell Out on the main to-night; The sky droops low — and many a bark That sailed from harbors bright, Like many an one before, Shall enter port no more: And a wreck shall drift to some unknown shore Before to-morrow's light.

The clouds are hanging a death-pall Over the sea to-night; The stars are veiled — and the hearts that sailed Away from harbors bright,

Shall sob their last for their quiet home — And, sobbing, sink 'neath the whirling foam Before the morning's light.

The waves are weaving a death shroud Out on the main to-night; Alas! the last prayer whispered there By lips with terror white! Over the ridge of gloom, Not a star will loom! God help the souls that will meet their doom Before the dawn of light!

******

The breeze is singing a joy song Over the sea to-day; The storm is dead and the waves are red With the flush of the morning's ray; And the sleepers sleep, but beyond the deep The eyes that watch for the ships shall weep For the hearts they bore away.