Long Island Sound

Long Island Sound

I see it as it looked one afternoon In August, 

by a fresh soft breeze o'erblown

The swiftness of the tide,

 the light thereon A far off sail,

 white as a crescent moon

The shining waters with pale currents strewn

The quiet fishing shacks, the Eastern cove

The semi-circle of its dark green cove

The luminous grasses,

 and the merry sun

In the grave sky, 

the sparkle far and wide

Laughter of unseen children,

 cheerful chirps Of crickets,

 and low lisp of rippling tide

Light summer clouds

 fantastical as sleep

Changing un-noted,

 while I gaze thereon

All these fair sounds and sights

 I made my own

Emma Lazarus (1849-1887)

NPR: Poet Of the Huddled Masses

Poem Hunter: Emma Lazarus 

Jewish Virtual Library Biography