Classic Poem

SOMEWHERE WEST OF THE SUNSET .

The loveliest days are fleeting,
Swift in their perfect light.
Wings of wishes are beating,
My heart sings to their flight —

Sings in a joyous dreaming
Of days among Isles of the West,
Where waves white-crested are gleaming
Signs of adventurous quest —

Quest of the old-time roving;
Isle where the roses blow
And the mystic things of loving
Are the dream of long ago —

Dream of the days unending,
Of sun enamoured hours,
Where life goes richly spending
Its joys among the flowers —

Joys like the light quick glancing
Through laughter like water at play;
Speed and the gladness of dancing —
Flaunting the spirit away!

Dear Isle afar at the greeting
Where the blue sea lips the white sky;
My sail is spread for the meeting,
Must we never never draw nigh!