Classic Poem

Dark rolling clouds in wild confusion driven,
Obscure the full-orbed moon. In all the heaven,
One only star (the appointed evening light)
Beams mildly forth; like friendly Pharo bright,
That, kindled on some towering summit, streams
Wide o'er the ocean-paths. Its far-off beams
First seen by him who on the silent deck
Paces his lonely watch, — a glimmering speck
Doubtful in distance. But his homeward eye
Is keen the faithful beacon to descry;
And mine, like his, inpatient to explore
(With friends and kindred thronged) the distant shore,
Is fixed on that lone star, whose lovely ray
Points to a happier home the heavenward way.