Peep! Peep! Peep!

"Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say,Brooding there on high,—Sea-weed beneath us.Above us the sky.

Oh! happy is the lifeof a beach-bird free,Playing our blithe gamesBy the sounding sea.High o'er the billows,In gay flocks we sail.Kissed by the cool spray,Ruffled by the gale,Watching the great shipsAs onward they glide,Like white-winged birds,O'er the restless tide."Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say,Dancing in the sun,Where no harm can reachFrom storm, dog, or gun.

Oh! merry is the lifeOf a beach-bird free;Few griefs molest usBy the sounding sea.If rude winds destroyOur nests built with care,Patiently we workThe loss to repair;If chilled by the gust,Or wet by the rain,We do not fret, butWait for sun again."Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say.Where'er we may be;Which means, little child,"Hurrah for the sea!"