Sea-Birds

O lonesome sea-gull, floating far Over the ocean’s icy waste, Aimless and wide thy wanderings are, Forever vainly seeking rest:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest? ’Twixt wintry sea and wintry sky, Cleaving the keen air with thy breast, Thou sailest slowly, solemnly; No fetter on thy wing is pressed:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest? O restless, homeless human soul, Following for aye thy nameless quest, The gulls float, and the billows roll; Thou watchest still, and questionest:— Where is thy mate, and where thy nest?

Collection: 
English
1852
Elizabeth Akers Allen

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