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Barnacles

My soul is sailing through the sea,
But the Past is heavy and hindereth me.
The Past hath crusted cumbrous shells
That hold the flesh of cold sea-mells
  About my soul.
The huge waves wash, the high waves roll,
Each barnacle clingeth and worketh dole
  And hindereth me from sailing!
 
Old Past let go, and drop i’ the sea
Till fathomless waters cover thee!
For I am living but thou art dead;
Thou drawest back, I strive ahead
  The Day to find.
Thy shells unbind!  Night comes behind,
I needs must hurry with the wind
  And trim me best for sailing.
Other works by Sidney Lanier...



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