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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CROSSING THE TROPICS by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHILE NOW THE POLE STAR SINKS FROM SIGHT
Last Line: LOVE, LOVE, IT IS AS DEATH WERE PAST!

WHILE now the Pole Star sinks from sight
The Southern Cross it climbs the sky;
But losing thee, my love, my light,
O bride but for one bridal night,
The loss no rising joys supply.

Love, love, the Trade Winds urge abaft,
And thee, from thee, they steadfast waft.

By day the blue and silver sea
And chime of waters blandly fanned, --
Nor these, nor Gama's stars to me
May yield delight, since still for thee
I long as Gama longed for land.

I yearn, I yearn, reverting turn,
My heart it streams in wake astern.

When, cut by slanting sleet, we swoop
Where raves the world's inverted year,
If roses all your porch shall loop,
Not less your heart for me will droop,
Doubling the world's last outpost drear.

O love, O love, these oceans vast:
Love, love, it is as death were past!



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