On Shore

All day the waves came charging up and roaring,

And the spray flew. All day the uncrushed rocks

Shook and reverberated to the pouring

Impenitent clashes and agonized shocks

Of the salt waters. All day he sat and watched

How the sea shook and flung at the still land,

Wondering whether to be dismayed or smile,

Until an enormous billow leaped and lodged

In him with all its acrid foam and guile,

And drove him laughing madly down the sand.