MY LIFE [S LIKE A STROLL UPON THE 

 BEACH. 



My life is like a stroll upon the beach. 



As near the ocean's edge as I can go ; 



My tardy steps its waves sometimes o'erreach, 



Sometimes I stay to let them overflow. 



My sole employment 't is — and scrupulous care, 

 To place my gains beyond the reach of tides; 

 Each smoother pebble, and each shell more rare. 

 Which ocean kindly to my hand confides. 



I have but few companions on the shore : 

 They scorn the strand who sail upon the sea; 

 Yet oft I think the ocean they've sailed o'er 

 Is deeper known upon the strand to me. 



The middle sea contains no crimson dulse, 

 Its deeper waves cast up no pearls to view; 

 Along the shore my hand is on its pulse, 

 And I converse with many a shipwrecked crew. 



Henry D. Thorcau. 



