Calm seas that lie‘ neath summer skies
And mirror back those skies to me,
Upon whose breast white sails arise
And glide like spirits grand and free.
Calm seas beneath whose hidden deep
Are wonders far beyond my ken,
There, rocked in murmuring currents, sleep
The secrets not revealed to men!
Peace, like a white-winged dove descends
And hovers o'er the waters bright,
While glory of the sunset blends
With tones of the approaching night.
My glad soul bids thee welcome, and
Goes forth upon the ocean's tide!
Far from the care that fills the land,
To where my spirit would abide!
Till, as the cares of day depart
And the glad sea its greeting calls,
I rise unshackled, strong of heart,
And from my life the burden falls!
Thus in this quiet nook I find
All that I longed and sought in vain
In the world's haunts, my soul to bind,
And, seeking, found but grief and pain.
Now, like a blessing falls thy grace,
O grand, beloved, glorious sea!
Drawn by thy message, face to face,
My longing greets thy mystery!