To A Sea-Gull

written by


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Bird of the fierce delight,
Brother of foam as white
And winged as foam is,
Wheeling again from flight
To some unfooted height
Where your blithe home is;

Bird of the wind and spray,
Crying by night and day
Sorrowful laughter,
How shall man's thought survey
Your will or your wings' way,
Or follow after?

What pride is man's, and why,
Angel of air, should I
Joy to be human?
You walk and swim and fly.
Laugh like a man and cry
Like any woman.

I would your spirit were mine
When your wings dip and shine
Smoothly advancing;
I drink a breathless wine
Of speed in your divine
Aerial dancing.

© Arthur Symons