Classic Poem

Caves are there, trodden by the sea alone,
With labyrinths and mazes — long ago
Silently sculptured by its secret flow —
Where crooked bones of uncouth beasts are strewn,
And hideous monsters lie and sleep, unknown
Even to the waves that wander to and fro
With eyes shut, fearing what their sight might show;
And trembling as they hear their echoed moan.

And every heart knows caves as dim and deep,
Where mouldy bones of uncouth sins decay,
With corners where old devils, half asleep,
Wait only for a voice or step to say,
" Awake! " And, full of awe, we blindly creep
From the deep darkness to the light of day.