The Prayer On The Pier

Proudly foats the ocean steamer,-- Throngs aboard and on the pier; With orders, oaths, and farewells mingled, What a medley greats the ear! Off are cast the slack'ning cables; Eager bells their signals ring! While there on shore a group is kneeling; Looking upward, now they sing: O Thou who holdest, In the hollow of thy hand, All this vast ocean, Unto this far off land; Guard well, we pray thee, When angry billows foam-- Guard well our lov'd ones, And safely bring them home. What a wondrous transformation! What a magic change of scene! The parted throngs transfix'd are gazing 'Cross the gulf that grows between. Heads are bared, and knees are bended; Voices all are silent there, Save but the throbbing of the engine, And that solemn choral prayer: Rapidly the distance lenghens; We have looked our last adieu,-- For each familiar form and feature Now is fading from our view. Glimpses yet of 'kerchiefs waving; Watching still our friends remain; And, waft by fresh'ning seaward breezes, Faintly, sweetly comes the strain.