Fairy Changeling and Other Poems — When You are on the Sea

The seas that shake and thunder will close our mouths one day, The storms that shriek and whistle will blow our breaths away.

The dust that flies and whitens will mark not where we trod.

What matters then our judging?

we are face to face with God.

WHEN YOU ARE ON THE SEA

How can I laugh or dance as others do, Or ply my rock or reel?

My heart will still return to dreams of you Beside my spinning-wheel.

My little dog he cried out in the dark, He would not whisht for me: I took him to my side--why did he bark When you were on the sea?

I fear the red cock--if he crow to-night-- I keep him close and warm, 'Twere ill with me, if he should wake in fright And you out in the storm.

I dare not smile for fear my laugh would ring Across your dying ears;

O, if you, drifting, drowned, should hear me sing And think I had not tears.

I never thought the sea could wake such waves, Nor that such winds could be;

I never wept when other eyes grew blind For some one on the sea.

But now I fear and pray all things for you, How many dangers be!

I set my wheel aside, what can I do When you are on the sea?