SEA AND CLIFF.
The lurid breakers dash in rifts of white
Upon the reef, rebounding to the sky,
And yet by yonder point the trembling surf
In distance dies; as darkness coils around
Our rugged path we pause, each nerve alert.
How grand the march majestic of the night
Amid the raging tempest's grim display
Of rain and hail and that too vivid flash
Which makes the inky blackness more intense!
But now the pall is riven and behold!
The beauteous sun, whose rich, prismatic glow
Illumes a jewelled curtain, poised thereon
A rainbow plumed for flight, while earth lies wrapped
In golden glory. Many a sail full set
Is homeward speeding, bearing happy hearts
To where love anxious waits and eager eyes
Will sweetest welcome give. O, World rejoice!
Confronted by the swift incoming tide,
With hurried step we scale the dizzy cliff,
Delivered by the one all-potent hand,
That ever waits to still life's sternest storms.