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1871–1948

THE SOUL AND THE SEA

James Allan Mackereth

I hear the shouting of th’ exultant sea, Its reel and crash along the shuddering strand; Through muffling mist the wide reverberant land In thunderous labour laughs exultantly;

The wrestling wind's tumultuous revelry Whips into whirling clouds the blanched sea-sand; The primal powers in grim convulsion grand Strive, straining agonists, frenzied to be free.

And in the lapses of the roaring gale I hear the cries of lives that rage and weep, That sow for ever, and that never reap; Brave hearts that travail with all hopes that fail

Break with the breakers; with a wandering wail Flies sorrow with white lips along the deep.

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THE SOUL AND THE SEA · James Allan Mackereth · Poetry Cove