Song Of The Wave XVII

The strong shore is my beloved And I am his sweetheart.

We are at last united by love, and Then the moon draws me from him.

I go to him in haste and depart Reluctantly, with many Little farewells.

I steal swiftly from behind the Blue horizon to cast the silver of My foam upon the gold of his sand, and We blend in melted brilliance.

I quench his thirst and submerge his Heart; he softens my voice and subdues My temper.

At dawn I recite the rules of love upon His ears, and he embraces me longingly.

At eventide I sing to him the song of Hope, and then print smooth kisses upon His face;

I am swift and fearful, but he Is quiet, patient, and thoughtful.

His Broad bosom soothes my restlessness.

As the tide comes we caress each other,

When it withdraws,

I drop to his feet in Prayer.

Many times have I danced around mermaids As they rose from the depths and rested Upon my crest to watch the stars;

Many times have I heard lovers complain Of their smallness, and I helped them to sigh.

Many times have I teased the great rocks And fondled them with a smile, but never Have I received laughter from them;

Many times have I lifted drowning souls And carried them tenderly to my beloved Shore.

He gives them strength as he Takes mine.

Many times have I stolen gems from the Depths and presented them to my beloved Shore.

He takes them in silence, but still I give for he welcomes me ever.

In the heaviness of night, when all Creatures seek the ghost of Slumber,

I Sit up, singing at one time and sighing At another.

I am awake always.

Alas!

Sleeplessness has weakened me!

But I am a lover, and the truth of love Is strong.

I may be weary, but I shall never die.