Four Songs of the Sea

I have a friend, a true, true friend, 
strong and fresh from the Ocean.
Brave and free as the rushing wave, 
is the soul of his deep devotion.

He never fails in times of need, 
times of grief or sorrow;
One warm clasp of his big brown hand, 
and a cheery hope for the morrow.

Come, O my friend, with happy voice, 
blithe as birds in the dawning,
Bring a breath from your fragrant Sea 
and a smile as bright as the morning!

I watched a seabird flying along the wintry shore,
Just as the day was dying in floods of crimson gore.
I saw him curve and quiver against the gleaming sky
And heard the young waves shiver under his death-like cry.
Slowly his great wings lifting, he floated away alone;
Like some tired spirit drifting into the great Unknown.

Under the silver moonlight, flutter the great white wings,
Woo'd by the soft night breezes tender with whispered things.
Silently onward gliding into the silent night,
Like to a fairy vessel crowned with a fairy light.
Whisper O soft night breezes, murmur your tender tune,
Carry the white wings onward, under the silver moon.

I stood today by the shimm'ring sea.
Never was wind so mild and free,
The light and the loveliness dazzled me, dazzled me.

The waves did trickle and curve and roll, 
They tumbled over my sinful soul,
And the might of their mystery made me whole.

I stood today by the shimm'ring sea.
Never was wind so mild and free,
The light and the loveliness dazzled me, dazzled me.