Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/75

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THE BROTHER.
71

And upward, to the darkened heavens
   Imploring glances cast,
While her rich curls profusely fell,
   And floated on the blast.

Then sudden, in the thronging boat,
   With agonizing scream,
Up sprang a noble, youthful form
   As from a wildering dream,
"Oh Sister! Sister!" echoed loud
   His shrill, unearthly cry,
"How dare I bear a brother's name
   Yet leave thee thus to die?"

He plunged, the crested wave he ruled,
   He climbed the cloven deck,
And clasped her, as the thundering surge
   Swept o'er the sinking wreck.
"Sweet sister, 'tis thy brother's voice,
   His cheek is pressed to thine,
One cradle-bed was ours, my love,
   Thy last, dread couch be mine.