BY THE SEA

[ZaunköniG]

At morn beside the ocean's foamy roar
I walked soft-shadowed through the luminous mist,
And saw not clearly, sea or land, nor wist
Where the tide stayed, nor where began the shore.
A gentle seaward wind came down, and bore
The scent of roses and of bay-berry;
And through the great gray veil that hid the sea
Broke the pale sun--a silvery warmth--not more.
So through the fogs that cover all this life
I walk as in a dream 'twixt sea and land--
The meadows of wise thought, the sea of strife--
And sounds and happy scents from either hand
Come with vast gleams that spread and softly shine,
The joy of life, the energy divine.