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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BALLAD OF THE SONG OF THE SEA-WIND by WILLIAM SHARP

First Line: WHAT IS THE SONG THE SEA-WIND SINGS
Last Line: HER CENTRAL FIRES MAKE ONE VAST FLAME!
Subject(s): SEA; WIND; OCEAN;

What is the song the sea-wind sings --
The old, old song it singeth for aye?
When abroad it stretches its mighty wings
And driveth the white clouds far away, --
What is the song it sings to-day?
@3From fire and tumult the white world came,
When all was a mist of driven spray
And the whirling fragments of a frame!@1

What is the song the sea-wind sings --
The old, old song it singeth for aye?
It seems to breathe a thousand things
Ere the world grew sad and old and grey --
Of the dear gods banished far astray --
Of strange wild rumours of joy and shame!
@3The Earth is old, so old, To-day --
Blind and halt and weary and lame.@1

What is the song the sea-wind sings --
The old, old song it singeth for aye?
Like a trumpet blast its voice out-rings,
@3The world spins down the darksome way!@1
It crieth aloud in wild dismay,
@3The Earth that from fire and tumult came
Draws swift to her weary end To-day,
Her fires are fusing for that last Flame!@1

ENVOY

What singeth the sea-wind thus for aye,
@3From fire and tumult the white world came!@1
What is the sea-wind's cry To-day --
@3Her central fires make one vast flame!@1



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