Canst thou forget the trampling of the water,
The wild west wind, the vast resounding shore;
Clans of the clouds, like armies to the slaughter,
Flying black banners to the tempest's roar—
Canst thou forget?

Canst thou forget the menace of the gorges,
Tortured of torrents, torn where lightnings fell;
Anvils of fire, whereon the sunset forges
Swords bathed in heaven, thunderbolts of hell—
Canst thou forget?

Canst thou forget how swift the awful Spirit
Caught us and brake the bounds of thee and me,
Mingled soul with soul, and taught us to inherit
Secrets and signs that haunt eternity—
Canst thou forget?

Yea then, forget! Yet thou too shalt remember:
Flying in the wind or foaming in the wave,
Burning in the sunset like a glowing ember,
Or when we meet in some dark ocean cave—
Yea then, forget!