From 'The Saya-y-Manto.' <br /> <br /> <br />While now the Pole Star sinks from sight <br />The Southern Cross it climbs the sky; <br />But losing thee, my love, my light, <br />O bride but for one bridal night, <br />The loss no rising joys supply. <br /> <br />Love, love, the Trade Winds urge abaft, <br />And thee, from thee, they steadfast waft. <br /> <br />By day the blue and silver sea <br />And chime of waters blandly fanned-- <br />Nor these, nor Gama's stars to me <br />May yield delight since still for thee <br />I long as Gama longed for land. <br /> <br />I yearn, I yearn, reverting turn, <br />My heart it streams in wake astern <br />When, cut by slanting sleet, we swoop <br />Where raves the world's inverted year, <br />If roses all your porch shall loop, <br />Not less your heart for me will droop <br />Doubling the world's last outpost drear. <br /> <br />O love, O love, these oceans vast: <br />Love, love, it is as death were past!<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/crossing-the-tropics/
