When the salt wave laps on the long, dim shore, <br />And frets the reef with its windy sallies, <br />And the dawn's white light is threading once more <br />The purple firs in the landward valleys, <br />While yet the arms of the wide gray sea <br />Are cradling the sunrise that is to be, <br />The fisherman's boat, through the mist afar, <br />Has sailed in the wake of the morning star. <br /> <br />The wind in his cordage and canvas sings <br />Its old glad song of strength and endeavor, <br />And up from the heart of the ocean rings <br />A call of courage and cheer forever; <br />Toil and danger and stress may wait <br />Beyond the arch of the morning's gate, <br />But he knows that behind him, upon the shore, <br />A true heart prays for him evermore. <br /> <br />When a young moon floats in the hollow sky, <br />Like a fairy shallop, all pale and golden, <br />And over the rocks that are grim and high, <br />The lamp of the light-house aloft is holden; <br />When the bay is like to a lucent cup <br />With glamor and glory and glow filled up, <br />In the track of the sunset, across the foam, <br />The fisherman's boat comes sailing home. <br /> <br />The wind is singing a low, sweet song <br />Of a rest well won and a toil well over, <br />And there on the shore shines clear and strong <br />The star of the homelight to guide the rover: <br />And deep unto deep may call and wail <br />But the fisherman laughs as he furls his sail, <br />For the bar is passed and the reef is dim <br />And a true heart is waiting to welcome him!<br /><br />Lucy Maud Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-bay/
