Into the gray mist I went dreaming, Rose and fell with the swell of the sea. The ribbon of foam from my boat's stem steaming Was all that joined my country and me. And I lay deep in a lethargy Where passionate hate and love were not, Nor any wretchedness any more. Color and sound were both forgot, And what with mad strength I had struggled for Was now but a dream on a distant shore. Soon with strange thoughts my mind was teeming; Thought from the depths of me -- startling -- grave. Was my liberty only seeming? Was I more than a system's slave? Slipping over each silent wave, Somewhere out in eternity, Now at last from the world relief! Now for once there was only me, Purged of all my hate and grief, Purged of my ancient dear belief! Out of the mist, then into the light Where no land was on any side, Both sky and sea were a peaceful white, And I stood up and with full voice cried Into the waves and they denied Even an echo. Then I knew What quiet was and what it meant To look with clear calm eyes and view (Oh the ranks of men with battle rent) The world from passion and madness spent. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONG BY THE WINDOW BEFORE BED by KATHERINE MANSFIELD HOW THE GREAT GUEST CAME by EDWIN MARKHAM DOMEDAY BOOK: MIRIAM FAY'S LETTER by EDGAR LEE MASTERS DOMESDAY BOOK: THE CONVENT by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |