Who are these strangers gathered on our shore? Seaward they stretch their arms, year after year. What fate from unknown region drove them here, To rouse our wonder, charm us more and more— A riddle unto sages and their lore? Like friends, they cling unto the rocks, and rear Protectingly their writhen forms; nor fear Great gales, yea, dance within them, and adore. Perchance, in far-off time, a storm blown ship, From realm remote, was wrecked upon this coast, And hardy men were changed to hardy trees. Look close and you shall see the bearded life Of Viking bold, or yet a weathered ghost From Tyre or Sidon, yearning for the seas. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DECISION (APRIL 14, 1861) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS BUCOLIC COMEDY: FLEECING TIME by EDITH SITWELL MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS by HENRY GLASSFORD BELL ODE TO TOBACCO by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY THE LAST SUPPER by RAINER MARIA RILKE SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 123 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE TENT ON THE BEACH: 5. THE CHANGELING by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER |