THE sea-bird's wing o'er ocean's breast Shoots like a glancing star, While the red radiance of the west Spreads kindling fast and far: And yet that splendor wins thee not -- Thy still and thoughtful eye Dwells but on one dark distant spot Of all the main and sky. Look round thee! O'er the slumbering deep A solemn glory broods; A fire hath touched the beacon-steep, And all the golden woods; A thousand gorgeous clouds on high Burn with the amber light! -- What spell from that rich pageantry Chains down thy gazing sight? A softening thought of human cares, A feeling linked to earth! Is not yon speck a bark which bears The loved of many a hearth? Oh! do not Hope, and Grief, and Fear Crowd her frail world even now, And manhood's prayer and woman's tear Follow her venturous prow? Bright are the floating clouds above, The glittering seas below; But we are bound by chords of love To kindred weal and woe. Therefore, amidst this wide array Of glorious things and fair, My soul is on that bark's lone way -- For human hearts are there. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SONG OF ETERNITY IN TIME by SIDNEY LANIER THE GARDEN SEAT by THOMAS HARDY THE HAPPY WARRIOR by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH QUATRAIN: THE IRON AGE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 30. AL-HADIL by EDWIN ARNOLD |