We two were lovers, the Sea and I; <br />We plighted our troth ‘neath a summer sky. <br /> <br />And all through the riotous ardent weather <br />We dreamed, and loved, and rejoiced together. <br /> * * * <br />At times my lover would rage and storm. <br />I said: ‘No matter, his heart is warm.’ <br /> <br />Whatever his humour, I loved his ways, <br />And so we lived though the golden days. <br /> <br />I know not the manner it came about, <br />But in the autumn we two fell out. <br /> <br />Yet this I know – ‘twas the fault of the Sea, <br />And was not my fault, that he changed to me. <br /> * * * <br />I lingered as long as a woman may <br />To find what her lover will do or say. <br /> <br />But he met my smiles with a sullen frown, <br />And so I turned to the wooing Town. <br /> <br />Oh, bold was this suitor, and blithe as bold! <br />His look was as bright as the Sea’s was cold. <br /> <br />As the Sea was sullen, the Town was gay; <br />He made me forget for a winter day. <br /> <br />For a winter day and a winter night <br />He laughed my sorrow away from sight. <br /> <br />And yet, in spite of his mirth and cheer, <br />I knew full well he was insincere. <br /> <br />And when the young buds burst on the tree, <br />The old love woke in my heart for the Sea. <br /> <br />Pride was forgotten – I knew, I knew, <br />That the soul of the Sea, like my own, was true. <br /> <br />I heard him calling, and lo! I came, <br />To find him waiting, for ever the same. <br /> <br />And when he saw me, with murmurs sweet <br />He ran to meet me, and fell at my feet. <br /> <br />And so again ‘neath the summer sky <br />We have plighted our troth, the Sea and I.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-lovers-quarrel-2/
