White-Capped Waves

White-capt waves far round the Ocean,
Leaping in thanks or leaping in play,
All your bright faces, in happy commotion,
Make glad matins this summer day.
The rosy light through the morning's portals
Tinges your crest with an August hue;
Calling on us, thought-prisoned mortals,
Thus to live in the moment too.
For, graceful creatures, you live by dying,
Save your life when you fling it away,
Flow through all forms, all form defying,
And in wildest freedom strict rule obey.
Show us your art, O genial daughters
Of solemn Ocean, thus to combine
Freedom and force of rolling waters
With sharp observance of law divine.