TEMPEST TOSSED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2286, 23 December 1897, Page 49

TEMPEST TOSSED.

Fee yonder boat adrift upon the stormy sea. . Far out from the harbour's sheltering security ! Its anchor gone— a toy to wind and wave — — And gathering waters scon may sink it to its grave. Yet oa the wave it mounts as if 'twere moved by joy. As if thegtacious force would lift it to the sky ; But soon the crest is gained, it can no further go, Then sinks again, depressed, in ocean's billows low. I often think the jojs and loves of mortals here below Are like the ocean's waves that roll, uncertain where they go ; And men are like the fragile boat upon life's fitful sea— Now blest with love and hope, and now with agony. See yonder mortal man, who cannot help but love, Who sees in one, and one alone, all virtues from above. A kindly word, a smile, doth lift his soul on high, And an angel pure and bright seems very, very nigh. But with all-powerful love there's ever to tie found A jealous watchfulness on all mankind around ; And when a lover-robber, practised in the art, doth win, ■ Unless divinely held his soul sinks deep in sin. Oh, yes, I think the deep, resistless, restless wave of ocean Is an emblem of our best love and true devotion. And as we f^el love's Bweep, and carried by its roll, We are borne in peace to' heaven— or sinks the precious soul. Oh, hapless, helpless boat adrift upon the stormy main, With no controlling hand to guide to sheltered port again ! Oh, uuhappy loves and lives, without divine control To brighten love with peace and save th' immortal soul. Oamaru, December 2. — Wm. Martin.