The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls

Living on Amelia Island, Florida I am always aware of the tides. Low tide shows the sharp oyster shells and barnacles in the marshes while a high tide in a full moon can flood the roads.

The poem “The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow speaks to the rhythm of the tides of life from a mysterious traveler wandering the shore at twilight. It reminds me of impermanence of struggles, joys and life. This series represents the tides and the age old saying “This too shall pass”.

 

 

The tide rises, the tide falls,

The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;

Along the sea-sands damp and brown

The traveller hastens toward the town,

      And the tide rises, the tide falls.

 

Darkness settles on roofs and walls,

But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;

The little waves, with their soft, white hands,

Efface the footprints in the sands,

      And the tide rises, the tide falls.

 

The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls

Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;

The day returns, but nevermore

Returns the traveller to the shore,

      And the tide rises, the tide falls.