Poems for the Sea/Teachings of the Sea
TEACHINGS OF THE SEA.
Go, muse beside the Sea
Where white-winged navies ride,
While its highest pulse is beating free,
In strong mysterious tide:
Where deep in coral cells
The sunless forests weep,
And many a wandering child of earth
Hath laid him down to sleep.
Go forth upon the Sea
At the first break of morn,
And bless it with the words of prayer
Ere the young day is born.
And when the night grows dim,
Beguile the billows wild,
With the holy breath of thine evening hymn,
As the Mother lulls her child.
Go, listen to the Sea
When its thundering breakers roar,
And a meek hearted pupil be
Of their terrific lore.
Hark! while the tempests lower,
To the lessons of the wave,
"One Voice alone, can curb our power,
One Hand alone, can save."
Go homeward from the Sea,
With a treasure in thy hand,
A stronger trust in Him who curbs
Its might, with reins of sand.
And mid earth's darkest snare,
Safe in thy bosom keep
The pearl-drops thou didst gather there,
The wisdom of the Deep.