Stars of the Desert/The ocean tramp
The Ocean Tramp
Where have you been, O wandering soul?
I have journeyed far and wide;
I drift to a home in any port,
Drift out upon any tide.
And what have you lost, O restless soul?
I have left it seemeth me
A bit of my youth in all the ports
That are clustered round the sea.
What have you learned? The stress of the shore,
The deep sea's desperate strife,
Some secret knowledge of men and things
And the undertow of life.
Found you no happiness anywhere
In the countries where you roved?
Once, only once,—a handful of nights,—
With one whom I met and loved.