Ode to the Sea
O Sea, O Sea, Of this pale And hollow shore!
I cannot describe thee For thou art a body, Outspeaking and reflecting not A single colored layer; With a subtle, fearless uniting laughter.
Thou hast forgotten silently My life — a rhythm, A reed blowing in a light wind.
Thy blue-green waves, That love And bind my dreams, Make recoiling ashes of The torch-song.
O Sea, O Sea, That fills my house, That quickens me with Bitter joy and sadness, — Thou art my creature to drown. And I am the sinking black fish In thy bluer green, I cannot escape thee! I cannot escape thee!
- Richard Aldington