The Distant Ship

The sea-bird's wing, o'er ocean's breast Shoots like a glancing star, While the red radiance of the west Spreads kindling fast and far; And yet that splendour wins thee not,– Thy still and thoughtful eye Dwells but on one dark distant spot Of all the main and sky. Look round thee!–o'er the slumbering deep A solemn glory broods; A fire hath touch'd the beacon-steep, And all the golden woods; A thousand gorgeous clouds on high Burn with the amber light!– What spell, from that rich pageantry, Chains down thy gazing sight? A softening thought of human cares, A feeling link'd to earth! Is not yon speck a bark, which bears The lov'd of many a hearth? Oh! do not Hope, and Grief, and Fear, Crowd her frail world even now, And manhood's prayer and woman's tear, Follow her venturous prow? Bright are the floating clouds above, The glittering seas below; But we are bound by cords of love To kindred weal and wo. Therefore, amidst this wide array Of glorious things and fair, My soul is on that bark's lone way,– For human hearts are there.