Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/A Haven
A HAVEN
My life was launched upon a stormy sea,Without a pilot for its shallow bark,To front the storm, the lightnings, and the dark,The winds and tides that breed adversityAnd batter with the waves unceasingly.And I have fought the elements untilThe restless sea has worn away my will,E'en as it wears the rocks, and conquered me;And now whene'er a lighthouse lifts its formAbove the outline of the dreamy coastWhile my poor bark is rudely tempest tossed, I long to shield me from the cruel stormIn some fair haven by the peaceful shoreTo cast an anchor till life's storms are o'er.