Winter Seas

Lace-like crests on the waves to-night
Driving on with a wind due south;
Wild white waves in the fading light,
Moaning surf at the harbour mouth.

Game little coaster steaming north
Into the night where the storm will break:
Darkening waters that thrust her forth
And fling their foam in her smothered wake.

Lashing surge at the bold cliff’s base,
Spray that leaps at the pale, cold moon,
Flying clouds on the grey sky’s face-
Say-will the calms of the Spring come soon?