When as a Lad

WHEN, as a lad, at break of day I watched the fishers sail away, My thoughts, like flocking birds, would follow Across the curving sky's blue hollow, And on and on— Into the very heart of dawn!

For long I searched the world—ah, me! I searched the sky, I searched the sea, With much of useless grief and rueing Those winged thoughts of mine pursuing— So dear were they, So lovely and so far away!

I seek them still and always must Until my laggard heart is dust And I am free to follow, follow, Across the curving sky's blue hollow, Those thoughts too fleet For any save the soul's swift feet!