My soul is sailing through the sea, <br />But the Past is heavy and hindereth me. <br />The Past hath crusted cumbrous shells <br />That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells <br /> About my soul. <br />The huge waves wash, the high waves roll, <br />Each barnacle clingeth and worketh dole <br /> And hindereth me from sailing! <br /> <br />Old Past let go, and drop i' the sea <br />Till fathomless waters cover thee! <br />For I am living but thou art dead; <br />Thou drawest back, I strive ahead <br /> The Day to find. <br />Thy shells unbind! Night comes behind, <br />I needs must hurry with the wind <br /> And trim me best for sailing.<br /><br />Sidney Lanier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/barnacles/
