Who are these strangers gathered on our shore? Seaward they stretch their arms, year after year. What fate from unknown region drove them here, To rouse our wonder, charm us more and more— A riddle unto sages and their lore? Like friends, they cling unto the rocks, and rear Protectingly their writhen forms; nor fear Great gales, yea, dance within them, and adore. Perchance, in far-off time, a storm blown ship, From realm remote, was wrecked upon this coast, And hardy men were changed to hardy trees. Look close and you shall see the bearded life Of Viking bold, or yet a weathered ghost From Tyre or Sidon, yearning for the seas. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A MENDOCINO MEMORY by EDWIN MARKHAM THE CHILDREN by CHARLES MONROE DICKINSON AT THE CANNON'S MOUTH by HERMAN MELVILLE INSULTING BEAUTY by JOHN WILMOT THE MORAL FABLES: THE TALE OF THE TWO MICE by AESOP |