Life'S Answer

A stroke of lightning stabbed the storm-black sea, As if it sought the heart of Life thereunder, And meant to put an end to it utterly;-- Then came thunder-- Wildly applauding thunder.

Riven with fear the foam-crests ran before it, Hissed by the rain and beaten down to darkness. A gull rose out of the murk with wings that tore it-- Life's answer to the storm's terrible starkness.