I've crossed the bar at last, mates, <br />My longest voyage is done; <br />And I can sit here, peaceful, <br />And watch th' setting sun <br />A-smilin' kind of glad like <br />Upon the waves so free. <br />My longest voyage is done, mates, <br />But oh, the heart of me, <br />Is out where sea meets skyline! <br />My longest voyage is done. . . . <br />But - can I sit, in peace, mates, <br />And watch the settin' sun? <br /> <br />For what's a peaceful life, mates, <br />When every breeze so free, <br />When every gale a-blowin', <br />Brings messages to me? <br />And is the sky so shinin', <br />For all it's golden sun, <br />To one who loves the sea, mates, <br />And knows his voyage is done? <br />And, can a year on land, mates, <br />Match with one day - at sea? <br />Ah, every wind a-singin' <br />Brings memory to me! <br /> <br />I've crossed the bar at last, mates, <br />My longest voyage is past, <br />And I must watch the sunset, <br />Must see it fade, at last. <br />My steps are not so light, mates, <br />As they were, years ago; <br />And sometimes, when I'm tired, <br />My head droops kind of low - <br />Yet, though I'm old and - weary, <br />The waves that dance so free, <br />Keep callin' to my soul, mates, <br />And thrill the heart of me!<br /><br />Margaret Elizabeth Sangster<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-old-sailor/
