The Sea-Wind

Winnow me through with thy keen clear breath, Wind with the tang of the sea! Speed through the closing gates of day, Find me, and fold me, and have thy way, And take thy will of me! Use my soul as you use the sky,⁠— Gray sky of this sullen day! Clear its doubt as you speed its wrack Of storm-clouds burning its splendor back, Giving it gold for gray! Bring me word of the moving ships, Halyards and straining spars; Come to me clear from the sea’s wide breast While the last lights die in the yellow west Under the first white stars! Batter the closed doors of my heart And set my spirit free! For I stifle here in this crowded place Sick for the tenantless fields of space, Wind with the tang of the sea!