At sunrise, swimming out to sea,
I heard a clear voice calling me
From the little wood whose branches lean
Over the restless water —
I heard, half-dreaming that I heard
The voice of some enchanted bird;
And glancing back, among the green
I saw my little daughter.

When I must breast the stiller sea
That stretches everlastingly
Beneath the starless unknown night,
The darkness round me falling,
May it be given me to hear
Life calling me as crystal-clear —
To glance back once through failing light
And answer that sweet calling.