I. YOU ask me why mine eyes are bent So darkly on the sea, While others watch the azure hills That lengthen on the lee. II. The azure hills—they soothe the sight That fails along the foam; And those may hail their nearing height Who there have hope, or home. III. But I a loveless path have trod— A beaconless career; My hope hath long been all with God, And all my home is—here. IV. The deep by day, the heaven by night, Roll onward swift and dark; Nor leave my soul the dove's delight, Of olive branch, or ark. V. For more than gale, or gulf, or sand, I've proved that there may be Worse treachery on the steadfast land, Than variable sea. VI. A danger worse than bay or beach— A falsehood more unkind— The treachery of a governed speech, And an ungoverned mind. VII. The treachery of the deadly mart Where human souls are sold; The treachery of the hollow heart That crumbles as we hold. VIII. Those holy hills and quiet lakes— Ah! wherefore should I find This weary fever-fit, that shakes Their image in my mind. IX. The memory of a streamlet's din, Through meadows daisy-drest— Another might be glad therein, And yet I cannot rest. X. I cannot rest unless it be Beneath the churchyard yew; But God, I think, hath yet for me More earthly work to do. XI. And therefore with a quiet will, I breathe the ocean air, And bless the voice that calls me still To wander and to bear. XII. Let others seek their native sod, Who there have hearts to cheer; My soul hath long been given to God, And all my home is—here. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TRANSLUCENT FINGERS by MALCOLM COWLEY A POEM FROM BOULDER RIDGE by JAMES GALVIN TO ATLANTA UNIVERSITY - ITS FOUNDERS AND TEACHERS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SUGGESTED BY THE COVER OF A VOLUME OF KEATS'S POEMS by AMY LOWELL STUDY FOR A GEOGRAPHICAL TRAIL; 5. MARYLAND by CLARENCE MAJOR ACROSS THE RED SKY by KATHERINE MANSFIELD COUNTRYWOMEN by KATHERINE MANSFIELD |