Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, UNDINE: SONG, by CHARLES WHITWORTH WYNNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

UNDINE: SONG, by                    
First Line: Fisherman, fisherman, why do you weep
Last Line: Or else that your child were dead.
Alternate Author Name(s): Cayzer, Charles
Subject(s): Fish & Fishing; Grief; Love; Mortality; Sorrow; Sadness


I

FISHERMAN, fisherman, why do you weep,
Hauling your nets 'neath the moon?
Silvery shadows steal over the deep,
And the billows are all aswoon.

II

There is that in your face, my sweet mermaid,
Which recalleth a long-lost child:
Far down in the deep is my darling laid,
Whom the glittering mere beguiled.

III

O better the waters should fold and keep
Your little one in her shroud,
Than ever your famish'd eyes should weep
A heart grown cold and proud!

IV

If, but for a moment, she might draw near—
Should I find her heart grown cold?
She would rush to my arms, my joyous dear,
And greet me as of old.

V

O vain is the love of all mortal kind!
And vain are the tears you shed!
Ere yon pale sickle wane, you will wish you were blind.
Or else that your child were dead.





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