Classic Poem

To M. J. L.

O wish that's vainer than the plash
Of these wave-whimsies on the shore:
" Give us a pearl to fill the gash —
God, let our dead friend live once more! "

O wish that's stronger than the stroke
Of yelling wave and snapping levin:
" God, lift us o'er the Last Day's smoke,
All white, to Thee and her in Heaven! "

O wish that's swifter than the race
Of wave and wind in sea and sky:
" Let's take the grave-cloth from her face
And fall in the grave, and kiss, and die! "

Look! High above a glittering calm
Of sea and sky and kingly sun,
She shines and smiles, and waves a palm —
And now we wish Thy will be done!