In War-Time—An American Homeward Bound

FURTHER and further we leave the sceneOf war—and of England's care;I try to keep my mind serene,—But my heart stays there;

For a distant song of pain and wrongMy spirit doth deep confuse,And I sit all day on the deck, and long—And long for news!

I seem to see them in battle-line—Heroes with hearts of gold,But of their victory a signThe Fates withhold;

And the hours too tardy-footed pass,The voiceless hush grows denseMid the imaginings, alas!That feed suspense.

Oh, might I lie on the wind, or flyIn the wilful sea-bird's track,Would I hurry on, with a homesick cry,—Or hasten back?