222 To An Out-Bound Skip.
For yon white sail, in offing faint, Than others fairer seems.
And proudly, amid all the fleet, Her snowy canvas gleams.
For there, upon her wind-swept deck, Upon her sea-worn floor,
Stands one I love to name as friend, Fast fading from the shore.
And so, more than the others all, I watch this faithful ship
Grow far and faint, and drop below The ocean's curving lip.
More beauteous ships my eyes descry, A-dancing o'er the foam ;
But this one, dearer, holds my heart, — 'T is she I watch alone.
And so I stand and watch my ship, With eye and heart a-brim.
Till hull and sail fade into fleck, And all the world grows dim.
And when the night draws darkly down,
I follow her, unseen, And love to think her sailing on
Beneath a sky serene.
I follow her, with earnest thought,
Follow to every part; Wherever my brave friend shall roam,
There shall he find my heart.
And so at home I wait, and watch The days, like ships, go by.
And swift, with rosy canvas spread, Sail down the evening sky.
And love to think of my good friend Beyond the distant sea,
And wonder how his vessel fares, And where his port may be.
I love to think, each closing day, Those steadfast eyes of blue
Are gazing back to home and me, All earnest, fond, and true.
I love to think how this dear heart. Loving, tender, and brave,
Will fearless sail for life's sweet mede, And patient breast the wave.
Until, with patience, he hath brought To end the voyages all,
And eager, happy, home returns Unto his cottage small.
I love to trustful give him thus Into the dear Lord's care.
With a i'ull heart and misty eye, And just a little prayer.
And thus I love to sit and think, And in the dear Lord's hand
Leave all my dear ones, far or near. Upon the sea or land.
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