Classic Poem

I.

Is it not agony beyond all words
That thou art not with me?
Worse than the loss to the white wild sea-birds
Of their white restless sea?

II.

Is there one single hour by day, by night
When I grieve not and sigh?
Longing for thee, as for my very light,—
And longing, till I die!

III.

Art thou in pain? Hast thou one moment's grief,—
One little pang at times?
O ripple striking on the river-reef,
Think of the sea's wild chimes!

IV.

O tender ripple of a girlish heart,
Remember how through me
Pours the remorseless anguish, for my part,
Of the despairing sea!

V.

I dread the morning and I dread the night
Because thou art not there:
I know (and gladly know) thy pain is light
By what I have to bear.