The Sea (1959-60)

Nature can provide few more pleasing sights
Than the sea with her white waves, that
Roll throughout evenings and moonlit nights
Over the beach's smooth, sandy mat,
Forming continuous sparkling colour;
Now twinkling points of reflected starlight
In rippling waters shine bright, then duller
Amidst the silver foam; a lovely sight.
Yet when wind and ocean combine in storm
Ripples are replaced with huge tidal waves
Which crash against the rocks and sailors warn,
Lest they drown to become the ocean's slaves.
Sea can be ships' death, and a seaman's life
But never once does he live without strife.

R. WRIGHT, IIIA.