The Songs that Quinte Sang/Waiting
Waiting.
All day long I walk the shore
Gazing out across the sea
Where the merry white-capped waves
Chase each other in their glee.
And I watch with eager eyes,
Pacing slowly to and fro,
For the ships I sent to sea
Many weary years ago.
Other ships come sailing in
From countries strange far away
And with canvas closely furled
Lie at anchor in the bay.
And the sailors as they pass
Answer me right cheerily
When I ask them of my ships
That are still far out at sea.
Oh! I know they pity me,
Keeping vigil on the strand,
And with words of kindly cheer
Come and take me by the hand.
And they bid me cease to weep,
“Weep no more, dear heart,” they say,
“Soon you’ll see your bonnie ships
Anchored safely in the bay.”
So I dry my tears and stand
Gazing out across the main,
And with patience wait the hour
When my ships will come again.
Some day I shall see them all
Anchored safely off the shore,
Then my heart will cease to mourn,
And my vigils will be o’er.
Just so sure as smile the stars
In the mirror of the sea,
Just so sure my bonnie ships
Will return, some day, to me.
