Grain by grain, you shape the shores,
embezzling the past.
The sovereignty of earth is yours …
your power fathomless.
You, with thunderous walls of wave
and tempest: infamy.
You commandeer the elements,
and spare no misery.
Kings and captains quaver when
they see your phantom face,
and lovers lured by your charms
drown in your embrace.
Pure as fright and whitest foam,
you seep into our fears;
you, the start and end of time
salt the widow’s tears.
Never meant as lovers, more
unholy soulmates, we …
alas, the tale of man is told
by you—the conquering sea.
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