Shore

O! Fairest half-remembered shore
Whose waves washed me before—
Whose towers of living stone
I viewed surrounded and alone…
O! Surf I prayed draw near
To wash my strangled tear
When didst thou take leave
To where the sirens grieve?

On earth tormented I must dwell
In heavens half as sweet as Hell—
Where spirits sing a melody
Daring mimic the calling sea—
Daring touch my stilling heart
As I dream the waves depart
Bearing me across the brine
To a far-off dreamer’s shrine.

O! World that no longer turns
For such sight my spirit burns—
Take me aghast afar
Beyond the Northern Star
To shores of little faith
Where dwells the silent wraith
Who may bear me—worthy sage
Where the tides in torment rage
Where my dreams with demons reside
And tell me I have died.

I will not miss the breeze
That once bore my pleas
To gods that heeded not:
Pleas by melancholy wrought.

Tell me half-remembered shore
Where my tears forever pour—
Tell me silence of the foam
Wilt thou guide me to my home?
Tell me candle burning low
Wither my sails shall go…