Across the narrow beach we flit, one little sandpiper and I, and fast I gather, bit by bit, the scattered driftwood bleached and dry; the wild waves reach their hands for it. The wild wind raves, the tide runs high as up and down the beach we flit— one little sandpiper and I. Above our heads the sullen clouds scud black and swift across the sky; like silent ghosts in misty shrouds stand out the white lighthouses high. Almost as far as eye can reach I see the close-reefed vessels fly as fast we flit along the beach— one little sandpiper and I. I watch him as he skims along uttering his sweet and mournful cry. He starts not at my fitful song or flash of fluttering drapery. He has no thought of any wrong; he scans me with a fearless eye. Staunch friends are we, well tried and strong, the little sandpiper and I. Comrade, where wilt thou be tonight when the loosed storm breaks furiously? My driftwood fire will burn so bright! To what warm shelter canst thou fly? I do not fear for thee, though wroth the tempest rushes through the sky; for are we not God's children both, thou, little sandpiper, and I? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CASEY AT THE BAT (1) by ERNEST LAWRENCE THAYER THE ASS IN THE LION'S SKIN by AESOP MAXIMS FOR THE OLD HOUSE: THE KEEPING-ROOM by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH O GOD! O MONTREAL! by SAMUEL BUTLER (1835-1902) THE HEART FLED AGAIN by ABRAHAM COWLEY TO MY COUSIN ANNE BODHAM, ON RECEIVING FROM HER A PURSE by WILLIAM COWPER |