The Sandpiper 



By Celia Thaxter 



Across the narrow beach we flit, 



One Httle sandpiper and I ; 

 And fast I gather, bit by bit. 



The scattered driftwood l^leached and dr}-. 

 The wild wa\es 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 T. 



Above our heads the sullen clouds 



Scud black and swift across the sky ; 

 Like silent ghosts in misty shrouds 



Stand out the white light-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. 

 Stanch friends are we, well tried and strong. 



The little sandpiper and T. 



Comrade, where wilt thou be tonight 



When the loosed storm breaks furiously? 

 IMv driftwood fire will burn so bright I 



To what warm shelter canst thou fly ? 

 1 do not fear for thee, though wroth 



The tempest ru.slies through the sky: 

 Vnr are we n(.t Oiod's children both. 



Thou, Httle sandpiper and I? 



1 .v^ 



