The Shipwreck

by Walter M. Lindsay

Ah! blame me not, if I have been
A shipwrecked man.
Thou canst not tell how strong the tide
And current ran.

The same sweet scenes are round thee now,
As in the past:
Thy sheltered ear has never heard
The ocean blast.

The slenderest bark can safely float
In waters still,
But whirlwinds, on the stoutest ship,
Must work their will.

I could not breast the wintry storm,
And, evermore,
Must make my home among the weeds
Upon the shore!