Fragment - August 18, 1847

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

　　

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O faithful, indefatigable tides, That evermore upon God's errands go,-- Now seaward bearing tidings of the land,-- Now landward bearing tidings of the sea,-- And filling every frith and estuary, Each arm of the great sea, each little creek, Each thread and filament of water-courses, Full with your ministration of delight! Under the rafters of this wooden bridge I see you come and go; sometimes in haste To reach your journey's end, which being done With feet unrested ye return again And recommence the never-ending task; Patient, whatever burdens ye may bear, And fretted only by the impeding rocks.

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