The Loveless Sea

 

Source: Thomas Thornely, London Mercury XIX (110), December 1928.

 

 The Deep that lieth under

Spoke to the realms above—

“My works abound in wonder

But yours are crowned with love.

 

“Trust not that ancient story,

Love rose not from the sea,

In heaven she sits in glory,

O’er earth she wanders free,

 

“But through my wastes of water

Her footsteps never stray,

Though seas run red with slaughter,

She chides not them that slay.

 

“I nursed life’s rude beginnings,

On earth transformed they grow,

To count among their winnings

The Love I ne’er may know.

 

“There, even the tigress mother

Will die her young to save;

Heaven’s birds love one another;

Nought loves beneath the wave.”

 

ß