The Witch-Maid, and Other Verses/Seagull
SEAGULL
O that these words of mine,
Leaden and dull,
Shone as your feathers shine,
Swift-racing gull;
Sped like your arrow-flight,
Flashing between
All the wide heaven's light
And the waves' green!
Is it the wind's caress
Bears you along,
Your white wings motionless,
Delicate, strong?
No, in a moment more
Down the steep air
You shoot and whirl and soar,
Effortless there.
Facing the wind you go,
Splendid and free,
Dark on the sky you show,
White on the sea.
Now to the waves you swoop,
Snatch at your prey—
Smoothly you pause and stoop,
And are away,
While the sea's rage is spent
Leaping at you,
Who make high merriment
Up in the blue.
Then to her calming breast
That pulses still
You will come down to rest
At your wild will.
O for the shining word
Swift as the light,
Showing you, gladdest bird,
Angel of flight!
THE TEMPLE PRESS, PRINTERS, LETCHWORTH