William Ernest Henley

Rhymes and Rhythms. 11. Gull in an Aery Morrice

Gulls in an aëry morrice
   Gleam and vanish and gleam . . .
The full sea, sleepily basking,
   Dreams under skies of dream.

Gulls in an aëry morrice
   Circle and swoop and close . . .
Fuller and ever fuller
   The rose of the morning blows.

Gulls, in an aëry morrice
   Frolicking, float and fade . . .
O, the way of a bird in the sunshine,
   The way of a man with a maid!