Classic Poem

Whither, O barques that plough the plunging brine
On wide adventure, whither do you fare?
Down dim horizons through the sparkling air
I mark your slowly lessening hulls decline.
Seek you far ports below the distant line,
Rio or Argentine, or do you dare
The perils of the Horn, and hope to share
Pacific seas, where palm fronds shift and shine?

You know not what awaits you, glow or gloom,
The peaceful homing, or the deep sea doom;
The haven, or the reef in its white lair;
So do I question on the sea of life,
That ocean of commingled calm and strife,
Whither, O mortals, whither do you fare?