Classic Poem

I

Smiling, big and full of joy,
I saw Old Ocean rush upon the Shore:
With wide-spread arms
He caught her to his heart.
I heard him chuckle softly to himself;
I saw his fingers stroke her sea-weed hair;
He kissed and kissed and kissed again
Her lush, responsive lips!
 And she who had been pale and cold
 Grew warm and dimpled at his touch.

II

I saw Old Ocean sullen, moody, mad;
The Shore stretched out her shell-like hands in vain;
No bubbling laughter greeted her sad ear;
He offered no caress.
He glowered at her, grumbling through his teeth!
Oh, he was dark and sinister!
He would not look upon her, waiting, wan!
 God! I could better bear his blows
 Than this indifference!

III

I heard Old Ocean warring in his wrath!
He shook and slashed and swore with fury!
With heavy fists he beat upon the Shore;
He tore her hair;
He screamed and raged;
He bruised her tender, shining flesh;
He gripped her with the strength of many giants,—
Shrieking—lashing—kicking—
Until at length, his jealous fury spent,
He sank exhausted in her waiting arms!
 “'Tis well,” the Shore said softly,
 “For he loveth much.”