The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar/The Mystic Sea

THE MYSTIC SEA

The smell of the sea in my nostrils, The sound of the sea in mine ears; The touch of the spray on my burning face, Like the mist of reluctant tears.

The blue of the sky above me, The green of the waves beneath; The sun flashing down on a gray-white sail Like a scimitar from its sheath.

And ever the breaking billows, And ever the rocks' disdain; And ever a thrill in mine inmost heart That my reason cannot explain.

So I say to my heart, "Be silent, The mystery of time is here; Death's way will be plain when we fathom the main,  And the secret of life be clear."