WHEN YOU ARE ON THE SEA

How can I laugh or dance as others do, Or ply my rock or reel? My heart will still return to dreams of you Beside my spinning-wheel.

My little dog he cried out in the dark, He would not whisht for me: I took him to my side—why did he bark When you were on the sea?

I fear the red cock—if he crow to-night— I keep him close and warm, ’Twere ill with me, if he should wake in fright And you out in the storm.

I dare not smile for fear my laugh would ring Across your dying ears; O, if you, drifting, drowned, should hear me sing And think I had not tears.

I never thought the sea could wake such waves, Nor that such winds could be; I never wept when other eyes grew blind For some one on the sea.

But now I fear and pray all things for you, How many dangers be! I set my wheel aside, what can I do When you are on the sea?