Sandpiper, Spotted 



The wild waves reach their hands for it, 

 The wild wind raves, the tide runs high, 



As up and down the beach we flit, — 

 One little sandpiper and I. 



Above our heads the sullen clouds 



Scud black and swift across the sky; 

 Like silent ghosts in misty shrouds 



Stand out the white Hght-houses high. 

 Almost as far as eye can reach 



I see the close-reefed vessels fly, 

 As fast we flit along the beach, — 



One little sandpiper and I. 



I watch him as he skims along 



Uttering his sweet and mournful cry; 

 He starts not at my fitful song. 



Or flash of fluttering drapery. 

 He has no thought of any wrong; 



He scans me with a fearless eye. 

 Staunch friends are we, well-tried and strong. 



The little sandpiper and I. 



Comrade, where wilt thou be to-night 



When the loosed storm breaks furiously? 

 My driftwood fire will burn so bright ! 



To what warm shelter canst thou fly? 

 I do not fear for thee, though wroth 



The tempest rushes through the sky : 

 For are we not God's children both. 



Thou, little sandpiper, and I? 



Celia Thaxter. 



129 



