The Long Long-Drawing Waves

The long long-drawing waves Foaming and gurgling in their wrath Across the red sands and gold I want to hear. This afternoon Before the dusk enters its full reign This scene before me see I must: And feel And feel The thrill Of the long, long long-drawing waves Foaming in their wrath and gurgling. Ah! no chests of gold And topazes and amulets Will this face-kissing breeze equivalize: Ah! my body yearns for the salt reign Of Neptune: for the seething sea For the long long-drawing waves Foaming and gurgling in their wrath Across the red sands and gold. And if I welcome the advent of human company In other days In other circumstances Then here will be the exception: Alone Alone The phial of my happiness Will flow and over-flow to surfeiting: For the long long-drawing waves Foam and seethe in their wrath. The red sun sets and flushed its shameless face.