From the Deck.

I looked at the rim of the world where no land is,
But only the sea and sky;
And I thought of the red-roofed, climbing town,
Where the streets run up, and the streets dip down,
And the cool land wind blows by.

I looked at the racing clouds that flecked no hills,
But only shadowed the sea;
And I thought of the play over fern and grass,
Of the glooms of shade as the quick clouds pass,
And the wind driven by in glee.

I looked at the heaving blue where no peace is,
But only unrest alway;
And I thought of the hills that steadfast stand,
While the wise old stars look down on the land,
And the world gains strength for day.

I looked at the blue above and the blue beneath.
And my heart grew soon to know
The wonderful beauty of changing things,
The joy of the spray, of a bird's white wings,
And I felt happier so.

—M.L.N.