Classic Poem

All moveless stand the ancient cedar-trees
— Along the drifted sand-hills where they grow;
And from the dark west comes a wandering breeze,
— And waves them to and fro.

A murky darkness lies along the sand,
— Where bright the sunbeams of the morning shone,
And the eye vainly seeks, by sea and land,
— Some light to rest upon.

No large, pale star its glimmering vigil keeps;
— An inky sea reflects an inky sky;
And the dark river, like a serpent, creeps
— To where its black piers lie.

Strange salty odors through the darkness steal,
— And through the dark, the ocean-thunders roll;
Thick darkness gathers, stifling, till I feel
— Its weight upon my soul.

I stretch my hands out in the empty air;
— I strain my eyes into the heavy night;
Blackness of darkness! — Father, hear my prayer!
— Grant me to see the light!