Part 3 — SEA-BIRDS
Reading edition
O lonesome sea-gull, floating far Over the ocean's icy waste, Aimless and wide thy wanderings are, Forever vainly seeking rest:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest?
'Twixt wintry sea and wintry sky, Cleaving the keen air with thy breast, Thou sailest slowly, solemnly; No fetter on thy wing is pressed:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest?
O restless, homeless human soul, Following for aye thy nameless quest, The gulls float, and the billows roll; Thou watchest still, and questionest:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest?
Elizabeth Akers [1832-1911]