Alone

Not as of old times do I come, to-day,
To breathe the strength and freshness of the sea
Until as part of it I seemed to be, —
Part of the sea-wind and the blowing spray:
She who once came with me is far away.
For Death was kind to her, though cruel to me.
And all my empty life drifts aimlessly.
Like vessels that no more their helm obey.

O sea, that had ray childish love and hers,
What message from my dead one dost thou bring?
Surely with me through thee her soul confers,
In some inexplicable way, to wring
Mine eyes with bitterest tears, remembering
What no more lights my dark, disastrous years.