Classic Poem

Beyond the outer islands,
Where the wheeling curlews cry,
Under the vast blue sky-lands
The deep sea-gardens lie.

Here, the clear waves under,
Where the sharp reefs reach for a span,
Lo, a maze of wonder—
Sea-rod, sea-fern, sea-fan!

All, with a rhythmic motion,
Opal and green and gray,
With the ceaseless tides of ocean
Sway and sway and sway.

Sheen of blossom-booty
In meadow and garth may be,
But ne'er showed fairer beauty
Than these gardens of the sea!