Classic Poem

A gracious present! for it carries all
The past wrapped fondly in its blood-red folds.
Utterly deep significance it holds:
Across the silent years it seems to call.
It tells of countless bitter tears let fall
And of bright early happiness besides:
It speaks too of the buoyant summer tides,
And wintry waves that stormed the grey sea-wall.

I take it as a token from the graves
Of thy sad past. Thou givest it, and lo!
This blood-red frond that bloomed amid sea-caves
Hath power thy present heart of love to show
This weed that still preserves the scent of waves
Which broke at Whitby twenty years ago!