FAREWELL, for the bark has her breast to the tide, <br />And the rough arms of Ocean are stretched for his bride; <br />The winds from the mountain stream over the bay; <br />One clasp of the hand, then away and away! <br /> <br />I see the tall mast as it rocks by the shore; <br />The sun is declining, I see it once more; <br />To-day like the blade in a thick-waving field, <br />To-morrow the spike on a Highlander's shield. <br /> <br />Alone, while the cloud pours its treacherous breath, <br />With the blue lips all round her whose kisses are death; <br />Ah, think not the breeze that is urging her sail <br />Has left her unaided to strive with the gale. <br /> <br />There are hopes that play round her, like fires on the mast, <br />That will light the dark hour till its danger has past; <br />There are prayers that will plead with the storm when it raves, <br />And whisper 'Be still!' to the turbulent waves. <br /> <br /> <br />Nay, think not that Friendship has called us in vain <br />To join the fair ring ere we break it again; <br />There is strength in its circle,--you lose the bright star, <br />But its sisters still chain it, though shining afar. <br /> <br />I give you one health in the juice of the vine, <br />The blood of the vineyard shall mingle with mine; <br />Thus, thus let us drain the last dew-drops of gold, <br />As we empty our hearts of the blessings they hold.<br /><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/farewell-to-j-r-lowell/
