Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TIDE, by FLORENCE EUGENIA HILL


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE TIDE, by                    
First Line: The tide is out and though the sky is bright
Last Line: If I can but hold on, the tide will soon be in.
Subject(s): Sea; Sky; Tides; Ocean


The tide is out and though the sky is bright
And merry sunbeams smile and play,
They win no answering gleam of light
From sodden ooze and weed-filled bay.

The stark rocks, scarred by beating wave,
Lift pleading arms to Heaven's dome
Or bend black brows above the watery grave
Of little ships of hope that never reached their home.
Each pulsing wave but serves to stir the kelp
That roots in fear and loss and doubt.
If hope can lend thee aught of strength or help,
Cling fast, O heart and soul! The tide is out.

The tide has turned. Each little ripple creeps
Higher and soon the coming flood shall hide
Black rock and ooze and tangled weed in deeps
On which, once more, my shallow boat can ride.
The little pools once more reflect the light
That all the time in azure sky has burned;
The sun to gild the day, the moon to silver night.
Take courage, heart, look up. The tide has turned.

The tide is in. The frowning rock now shows
A silvery line of foam to mock at care.
A breeze, all salt with strengthening purpose, blows
And earth and sky and sea are passing fair.
So ebbs and flows my courage and my will;
But now, at last, to this result I win: --
However low the ebb, I know that somehow, still,
If I can but hold on, the tide will soon be in.





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