When the Wind is low

By Cale Young Rice

1872-1943


When the wind is low, and the sea is soft,
         And the far heat-lightning plays
On the rim of the west where dark clouds nest
         On a darker bank of haze;
When I lean o'er the rail with you that I love
         And gaze to my heart's content;
I know that the heavens are there above --
         But you are my firmament.

When the phosphor-stars are thrown from the bow
         And the watch climbs up the shroud;
When the dim mast dips as the vessel slips
         Through the foam that seethes aloud;
I know that the years of our life are few,
         And fain as a bird to flee,
That time is as brief as a drop of dew --
         But you are Eternity.

DayPoems Poem No. 1158
<a href="http://www.daypoems.net/poems/1158.html">When the Wind is low by Cale Young Rice</a>

The DayPoems Poetry Collection, www.daypoems.net
Timothy Bovee, editor

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