Always at sea I think about the dead. On barques invisible they seem to sail The self-same course; and from the decks cry ‘Hail’! Then I recall old words that they have said, And see their faces etched upon the mist—  Dear faces I have kissed.

Always the dead seem very close at sea. The coarse vibrations of the earth debar Our spirit friends from coming where we are. But through God’s ether, unimpeded, free, They wing their way, the ocean deeps above—  And find the hearts that love.

p. 41Always at sea my dead come very near. A growing host; some old in spirit lore, And some who crossed to find the other shore But yesterday. All, all, I see and hear With inner senses, while the voice of faith Proclaims—there is no death.

p. 41

p. 42THE SUITORS

p. 42

There is a little Bungalow Perched on a granite ledge, And at its feet two suitors meet; (I watch them, and I know) One waits outside the casement edge; One paces to and fro.

The Patient Rock speaks not a word; The Sea goes up and down, And sings full oft, in cadence soft; (I listen, and have heard) Again he wears an angry frown By jealous passion stirred.

This dawn, the Rock was all aglow; Far out the mad Sea went; Beyond the raft, like one gone daft; (I saw them, and I know) While radiant and well content Smiled down the Bungalow.

p. 43That was at Dawn; ere day had set, The Sea with pleading voice Came back to woo his love anew; (I saw them when they met) And now I know not which her choice— (The Rock’s gray face was wet.)

p. 43

p. 44THE JEALOUS GODS

p. 44

‘Oh life is wonderful,’ she said, ‘And all my world is bright; Can Paradise show fairer skies, Or more effulgent light?’ (Speak lower, lower, mortal heart, The jealous gods may hear.)

She turned for answer; but his gaze Cut past her like a lance, And shone like flame on one who came With radiant glance for glance. (You spoke too loud, O mortal heart, The jealous gods were near.)

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