By Sidney and Clifford Lanier. <br /> <br />O wish that's vainer than the plash <br /> Of these wave-whimsies on the shore: <br />"Give us a pearl to fill the gash -- <br /> God, let our dead friend live once more!" <br /> <br />O wish that's stronger than the stroke <br /> Of yelling wave and snapping levin; <br />"God, lift us o'er the Last Day's smoke, <br /> All white, to Thee and her in Heaven!" <br /> <br />O wish that's swifter than the race <br /> Of wave and wind in sea and sky; <br />Let's take the grave-cloth from her face <br /> And fall in the grave, and kiss, and die! <br /> <br />Look! High above a glittering calm <br /> Of sea and sky and kingly sun, <br />She shines and smiles, and waves a palm -- <br /> And now we wish -- Thy will be done!<br /><br />Sidney Lanier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-sea-shore-grave-to-m-j-l/
