Far out at sea -- the sun was high, While veered the wind, and flapped the sail-- We saw a snow-white butterfly Dancing before the fitful gale, Far out at sea! The little wanderer, who had lost His way, of danger nothing knew; Settled awhile upon the mast, Then fluttered o'er the waters blue, Far out at sea. Above there gleamed the boundless sky Beneath, the boundless ocean sheen; Between them danced the butterfly, The spirit-life of this vast scene, Far out at sea. The tiny soul then soared away, Seeking the clouds on fragile wings, Lured by the brighter, purer ray Which hope's ecstatic morning brings, Far out at sea. Away he sped with shimmering glee! Scarce seen -- now lost -- yet onward borne! Night comes! -- with wind and rain -- and lie No more will dance before the Morn, Far out at sea. He dies unlike his mates, I ween; Perhaps not sooner, or worse crossed; And he hath felt, thought, known, and seen A larger life and hope -- though lost Far out at sea! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FAREWELL TO TOBACCO by CHARLES LAMB IN THE MILE END ROAD by AMY LEVY A PRAYER by WARREN K. BILLINGS A NEW PILGRIMAGE: 22 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT THE AUTHOR'S EARNEST CRY AND PRAYER by ROBERT BURNS WHAT MATTERS IT? by GEORGE FREDERICK CAMERON THE CANTERBURY TALES: THE SUMMONER'S PROLOGUE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER |