Alfred Noyes

Riddles of Merlin

AS I was walking
	Alone by the sea,
“What is that whisper?”
	Said Merlin to me.
“Only,” I answered,
	“The sigh of the wave”—
“Oh, no,” replied Merlin,
	“’Tis the grass on your grave.”

As I lay dreaming
	In churchyard ground
“Listen,” said Merlin,
	“What is that sound?”
"The green grass is growing,"
	I answered; but he
Chuckled, “Oh, no!
	’Tis the sound of the sea.”

As I went homeward
	At dusk by the shore,
“What is that crimson?”
	Said Merlin once more.
“Only the sun,” I said.
	“Sinking to rest”—
“Sunset for East,” he said,
	“Sunrise for West.”