The Sea

I call thee from the changing land To the unchanging sea; I bring a bride-gift in my hand Of immortality. The land is fair, but fairer far The pastures of the sea. Canst thou reach down the lowest star? My sea-fires gleam for thee. All rivers run unto one end And perish in the sea; Turn thou from lover and from friend, And give thy heart to me. Thy love shall suffer change and dearth, Thy friend the years estrange; There is no faithfulness on earth⁠— The sea will never change.