The clouds are scudding across the moon; <br />A misty light is on the sea; <br />The wind in the shrouds has a wintry tune, <br />And the foam is flying free. <br /> <br />Brothers, a night of terror and gloom <br />Speaks in the cloud and gathering roar; <br />Thank God, He has given us broad sea-room, <br />A thousand miles from shore. <br /> <br />Down with the hatches on those who sleep! <br />The wild and whistling deck have we; <br />Good watch, my brothers, to-night we'll keep, <br />While the tempest is on the sea! <br /> <br />Though the rigging shriek in his terrible grip, <br />And the naked spars be snapped away, <br />Lashed to the helm, we'll drive our ship <br />In the teeth of the whelming spray! <br /> <br />Hark! how the surges o'erleap the deck! <br />Hark! how the pitiless tempest raves! <br />Ah, daylight will look upon many a wreck <br />Drifting over the desert waves. <br /> <br />Yet, courage, brothers! we trust the wave, <br />With God above us, our guiding chart. <br />So, whether to harbor or ocean-grave, <br />Be it still with a cheery heart!<br /><br />James Bayard Taylor<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/storm-song-5/
