The land! The land! it is the end
Of all my dreams; the sudden bend
Along the road, and face to face
I stand with some deserted place,
Where Death, and Darkness grow apace.
The land! The land! with beating heart
I am awake, alone, apart;
To gaze upon the nearing shore,
And know that all that's gone before
Means nothing to you any more.
The land! The land! Oh, blessed sea!
Lift up your arms and cover me;
One long caress upon your breast!
You know me, I have stood confessed
Before you, now I fain would rest.