The Wave

Formed in the measureless depths,
A ripple of foam, no more,
The wave goes forth on its journey,
Bound for the distant shore.

And anon it grows, increases,
In power, in force and might;
And it sweeps the endless ocean,
Though the shore's still out of sight.

It is sometimes rough and surly,
As it goes upon its way.
Then it wears a gleam of sunlight,
And is laughing, kind and gay.

The winds may lash the surface
With their icy blasts and shrill,
But within, in the cool depths,
It is ever peaceful and still.

And the restless fish are soothed,
And the weary ships caressed -
   But the wave has come a long way,
   And now it is seeking rest.

At last the land is sighted,
The wave need journey no more.
One last triumphant effort,
Then it sinks upon the shore.