Classic Poem

We are ever waiting, waiting,
Waiting for the tide to turn —
" For the train at Coventry " —
For the sluggish fire to burn —
For a far-off friend's return.

We are ever hoping, hoping,
Hoping that the wind will shift —
That success may crown our venture —
That the morning fog may lift —
That the dying may have shrift.

We are ever fearing, fearing,
Fearing lest the ship have sailed —
That the sick may ne'er recover —
That the letter was not mailed —
That the trusted firm has failed.

We are ever wishing, wishing,
Wishing we were far at sea —
That the winter were but over —
That we could but find the key —
That the prisoner were free.

Wishing, fearing, hoping, waiting,
Through life's voyage — moored at last,
Tedious doubts shall merge forever,
(Be their sources strait or vast,)
In the inevitable Past.