John Kenyon - Childhood - III lyrics

TO--- So when, mere child, I crossed the Atlantic tide, Ah! ne'er to see our Carib isle again— There, as it chanced, the watchful seaman spied A bark come drifting o'er the azure plain; Which, as it neared us, we beheld it void Of living thing—alone on that wide main; Hinting a tale of wretches that had died By rock, or whelming surge, or hunger-slain On the waste wave. So on that bark did go Unquestioned; bearing o'er the waters blue Its own mysterious story—none might know; But left me, as it faded on the view, With spirit stirred, and eye unconsciously That strained upon that solitary sea.