Sonnet to the Sea

Whatever brief things go down beneath the snows,

Dismissed from life before perennial spring,

I love them not. What pity my heart knows

Is pity alone for a weak human thing.

But all my love goes like a ship to sea;

Dips in the sun with all my heart-sails shaking,

And breasts the foam in rising. That in me

Which bears the name of courage comes up, breaking

The shining waters on the sturdy prow,

Flinging them back! Whatever stricken ships

Go creaking down, I find your favor now

And bear your bitter kiss upon my lips.

One must go first, the lover or the love.

I will lie glad and still, the sea above.