CVI.SOFTLY THE SHIPS DO SAIL.
TO MY MOTHER.
I
Softly the ships do sail,
Dipping in the billow,
Now that the weary gale
Findeth there its pillow.
II
The sea doth lift its plain,
Tremulous and shining;
Like threads upon the main
Glossy wakes are twining.
III
In twilight rings the calm
Binds the current's motion,
While evening's inland balm
Quivers on the ocean.
IV
Such calms, such heavenly air
Soothe my spirit often,
When thy kind eyes are there
Chafing thoughts to soften.
V
By this transparent sea
Have I many an even
Waited to catch from thee
Images of heaven.
VI
My heart hath oft the while
Ceased its very beating,
At thine infrequent smile,
Beautifully fleeting.
VII
Mother! in such deep times
My heart's harp have I fingered,
And words in choicest rhymes
Backwardly have lingered.
VIII
For when I love thee most,
Words seem little loving,
And golden hours are lost
In unwise improving.
IX
Mother! why is it hard
For pardon to be pleading?
And why is my heart barred,
When thine, alas! is bleeding?
X
O whisper in my ears—
Thy heart for me is aching!
Else why those chiding tears
In sunshine showers breaking?
XI
Ah! now my eyes are wet,
Hot words must be spoken,
For, if they loiter yet,
Heart-strings will be broken.
XII
But why am I to thee
All in all, my mother?
And why art thou to me
Like a sister to a brother?
