I see, as one in dreaming, <br /> A broad, bright, quiet sea; <br />Beyond it lies a haven -- <br /> The only home for me. <br />Some men grow strong with trouble, <br /> But all my strength is past, <br />And tired and full of sorrow, <br /> I long to sleep at last. <br />By force of chance and changes <br /> Man's life is hard at best; <br />And, seeing rest is voiceless, <br /> The dearest thing is rest. <br /> <br />Beyond the sea -- behold it, <br /> The home I wish to seek, <br />The refuge of the weary, <br /> The solace of the weak! <br />Sweet angel fingers beckon, <br /> Sweet angel voices ask <br />My soul to cross the waters; <br /> And yet I dread the task. <br />God help the man whose trials <br /> Are tares that he must reap! <br />He cannot face the future -- <br /> His only hope is sleep. <br /> <br />Across the main a vision <br /> Of sunset coasts, and skies, <br />And widths of waters gleaming, <br /> Enchant my human eyes. <br />I, who have sinned and suffered, <br /> Have sought -- with tears have sought -- <br />To rule my life with goodness, <br /> And shape it to my thought. <br />And yet there is no refuge <br /> To shield me from distress, <br />Except the realm of slumber <br /> And great forgetfulness.<br /><br />Henry Kendall<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/outre-mer/
