Poems (Dudley)/In Sunshine and in Storm

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IN SUNSHINE AND IN STORM.
A PINNACE rode in harbor Freighted with light and song;The summer winds caressed her The summer day was long;
A purple pennon fluttered From mast-head tall and proud,Her crimson Banner billowed Like a fiery, sunset cloud;
And one from shore was flinging Cheers to the happy skies;But one stood still in shadow With longing in his eyes.
Like royal bird the Pinnace Sailed to the eager sea;The great, black night engulfed her And drowned the melody.
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A storm swept down in fury, The purple pennon trailedAnd the crimson banner's billows Were cut with hurtling hail.
Now white on shore with terror Is he who cheered in light;But he who stood in shadow The life-boat pulls with might.
Down—up through seething surges His frail barque's fall and rise,While burns through storm and blackness The fire in his longing eyes;
Nearer and nearer the Pinnace Through thunder and through hail;Ah, nerved by deathless purpose No strong arm's strength shall fail!
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Again in sunny harbor, The idol of the crowd,The Pinnace rides in safety With flag and pennon proud:
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Again the music pouring Its summer day refrain,Speeds her outward to the ocean The Princess of the Main.
And proud on deck her master Looks up to sunny skies,With the longing changed to triumph In his smiling, happy eyes;
The stately prow turns seaward, The white sails fill and form,Obedient to the bidding Of the hero of the storm.


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