Classic Poem

Bright little scales all lapping, lapping,
In shining row on row;
Tight little tails all flapping, flapping,
Swift-flapping to and fro.

Sometimes they swim with arms abroad,
Sometimes with folded hands,
Sometimes as swift as a whirling sword,
Then slow as sinking sands.

Up through the waters lifting, lifting,
Waters of lightening blue;
Down through the waters, shifting, shifting,
Slow-shifting down and through.

Sometimes they swim like a rising spark,
Sometimes they drop like lead,
Sometimes they float like the Spanish bark,
Then sink to the ocean's bed.

Glittering scales all gleaming, gleaming,
Through waters green and dim,
Flittering tails all streaming, streaming,
Where the gay Mer-children swim.