University of Virginia Library


197

I.
THE GREAT WAVE

For thy sake, sweet, I keep the great clear wave
Silent and moveless,—still, within my heart.
I help thee, love, to play thy daily part
In patience, and through love the world to save.
Our bright star glistens, bright beyond the grave,
And here we have the silver voice of Art
To cheer and gladden; and, to soothe each smart,
Love,—stalwart, pure, indomitable, brave.
I keep the great wave still: although 'tis there
Ready, if even on earth a greater need
Arise,—some wrong e'en Love were weak to bear.
Till then I hold, for so hath Love decreed,
The wave that might devour with fiercest spray,
Still as the blue sea on a summer day.