Classic Poem

O ancient ocean, with what courage stern
Thy tides, since time began, have sought to gain
The luring moon, toward which they rise in vain,
Yet daily to their futile aim return.
Like thee do glorious human spirits yearn
And strive and fail and strive and fail again
Some starlike aspiration to attain,
Some light that ever shall above them burn.

Yet truly shall their recompense abide
To all who strive, although unreached their goal:
The ceaseless surgings of the ocean tide
Do cleanse the mighty waters which they roll,
And the high dreams in which it vainly sighed
Make pure the deeps of the aspiring soul.