The sea grows louder as I tire;
The waves come longer up the shore,
And I complete my evening chores
To breakers rolling higher and higher.
Already the waters reach the wall
And beat at the window; I retreat,
But cannot seem to wade at all
Through pools that swirl around my feet.
A torrent rising to the eaves
Will pour through halls, and they dissolve;
But I am too weary to retrieve
Ambition and the day’s resolve.
So, from my island-bed I listen;
The night flows underneath the door,
And I will sleep and swim once more
Into the sea where white stars glisten.