On The Beach

By Celia Thaxter

Illustrated by F. Childe Hassam

The slow, cool, emerald breaker curving clear
Along the sparkling edge of level sand,
Shatters its crystal arch, and far and near
In broken splendor spills upon the land.
With rush and whisper siren-sweet and soft
Gently salutes the children of the earth,
And catching every sunbeam from aloft
Flashes it back in summer mood of mirth;
And with a flood of strong refreshment pours
Health and delight along the sounding shores.

Amid its frolic foam and scattered spray
Tossed lightly, like some dreaming lion's mane,
The tired dwellers of the city play,
Forgetful for awhile of care and pain,
While peace broods over all, nor does it seem
As if the sleeping lion could awake;
And yet, when passed is this sweet summer dream,
What roar of thunder on the coast will break
When winter's tempests rage in sullen wrath --
Death and disaster in their cruel path --
And hurl against the sandy margin gray
Devouring fury, tumult and dismay!