Immortality

O sea that makes this fragile boat a toy
As if thou wouldst engulf it in thy might,
While the wide winds wail forth their wild affright
And struggle with thee like a lusty boy
In arms! Time shall they restless power destroy
And thou be sunk in everlasting calms
Within thy yellow sands; then pines and palms
Above shall wave; and all this seeming joy
Be stilled. Then shalt thou render up thy bones and gold
And hidden cities; but when thou art gone
As thou must go, exultant, powerful sea,
Then shall this spirit freed from bondage old
Walk radiant in the light of Heaven’s dawn
Triumphant in its immortality.