WITH gallant sail and streamer gay, Sweeping along the splendid bay, That, thronged by thousands, seems to greet The bearer of a precious freight, The Cadmus comes; and every wave Is glad the welcomed prow to lave. What are the ship and freight to me -- I look for one that's on the sea. "Welcome FAYETTE," the million cries; From heart to heart the ardor flies, And drum, and hell, and cannon noise, In concord with a nation's voice, Is pealing through a grateful land, And all go with him. -- Here I stand, Musing on one that's dear to me, Yet sailing on the dangerous sea. Be thy days happy here, FAYETTE-- Long may they be so -- long -- but yet To me there's one that, dearest still, Clings to my heart and chains my will. His languid limbs and feverish head Are laid upon a sea-sick bed. Perhaps his thoughts are fixed on me, While tossed upon the mighty sea. I am alone. Let thousands throng The noisy, crowded streets along: Sweet be the beam of Beauty's gaze -- Loud be the shout that Freemen raise -- Let Patriots grasp thy noble hand, And welcome thee to Freedom's land;-- Alas! I think of none but he Who sails across the foaming sea. So, when the moon is shedding light Upon the stars, and all is bright And beautiful; when every eye Looks upwards to the glorious sky; How have I turned my silent gaze To catch one little taper's blaze: -- 'T was from a spot too dear to me, The home of him that's on the sea. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DEPARTURE OF THE GOOD DAEMON by ROBERT HERRICK CLANCY OF THE MOUNTED POLICE by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE MANNERLY MARGERY, MILK AND ALE by JOHN SKELTON ON AN ANNIVERSARY by JOHN MILLINGTON SYNGE GULLS by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS THE ALLIGATOR by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD |