Classic Poem

Oh, for the sea's far splendour, —
The cool wet sound of waves
And tender
Ripple within dark caves!

Oh, for the wide-winged breezes
That churn the waves to foam, —
Heat seizes
And slays us here at home!

The weary head reposes
On pillows hot in town:
No roses
The tired-out forehead crown.

Oh for cool sound of waters
And quiet sight of fern!
Heat slaughters
The hearts and heads that burn.

Oh for green grass-leaves plashing
In depth of crystal pool,
And splashing
Of surges blue and cool!

Oh for cool arms of maiden
And wave-cool wave-white breast,
That laden
Spirits therein may rest!

Oh for far sound of rivers,
And bowers with green entwined
That shivers
In the cool soft night-wind!

We are weary and sick and deadened
With heat in this close town
Sun-reddened: —
The roads are parched to brown.

Take me, O loved one, take me
Through green woods to the sea:
Awake me, —
I slumber drearily.

Where the fresh seas are whiter
Even than thy white breast,
And brighter,
Take me, — and let me rest!