Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GENIUS, by RICHARD HENGIST (HENRY) HORNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GENIUS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Far out at sea - the sun was high
Last Line: Far out at sea!
Subject(s): Thought; Thinking


Far out at sea -- the sun was high,
While veered the wind, and flapped the sail--
We saw a snow-white butterfly
Dancing before the fitful gale,
Far out at sea!
The little wanderer, who had lost
His way, of danger nothing knew;
Settled awhile upon the mast,
Then fluttered o'er the waters blue,
Far out at sea.
Above there gleamed the boundless sky
Beneath, the boundless ocean sheen;
Between them danced the butterfly,
The spirit-life of this vast scene,
Far out at sea.
The tiny soul then soared away,
Seeking the clouds on fragile wings,
Lured by the brighter, purer ray
Which hope's ecstatic morning brings,
Far out at sea.
Away he sped with shimmering glee!
Scarce seen -- now lost -- yet onward borne!
Night comes! -- with wind and rain -- and lie
No more will dance before the Morn,
Far out at sea.
He dies unlike his mates, I ween;
Perhaps not sooner, or worse crossed;
And he hath felt, thought, known, and seen
A larger life and hope -- though lost
Far out at sea!




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