THE SEA GULL 



I GAZE afar where the stormy sea 

 Is merged with the sky in gloom, 



And ever there comes a dream to me 

 Of a life beyond the tomb. 



As the white gull stems the winds that play 



Above the foamy crest 

 Of the curling wave that flings its spray 



Against his downy breast ; 



Though backward thrown again and again, 

 He mounts, unwearied, anew. 



The eddying blast 'mid the surging rain, 

 To his haven ever true. 



How like the spirit of man is he, 

 That rises from sorrow and woe 



On the wings of hope o'er life's wild sea 

 When the storm winds wildest blow ! 



Oh, rise, my soul, to the vaulted dome, 

 Though trials come thick and fast, 



For courage and hope will bear thee home 

 To a haven of rest at last! 



[10] 



