Said Will: "I'll stay and till the land." <br />Said Jack: "I'll sail the sea." <br />So one went forth kit-bag in hand, <br />The other ploughed the lea. <br /> <br />They met again at Christmas-tide, <br />And wistful were the two. <br />Said Jack: "you're lucky here to bide." <br />Said Will: "I envy you." <br /> <br />"For in your eyes a light I see <br />Of tropic shores agleam." <br />Said Jack: "You need not envy me, <br />For still you have the Dream. <br /> <br />"The Dream that lured me out to sea; <br />'Twas bright as paradise; <br />Far fairer than the memory <br />You see within my eyes. <br /> <br />So if my foolish urge you share <br />In foreign lands to roam, <br />Take up my kit-bag waiting there <br />And I will stay at home." <br /> <br /> * * * * * * * * <br /> <br />Yet while the years have fated Will <br />To sow the sober loam, <br />The eyes of Jack are starry still, <br />High-riding hills of foam.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dream-8/
