The Ocean of Life [poem by Philip Durham Lorimer]

[Editor: This poem by Philip Durham Lorimer was published in Songs and Verses by Philip Durham Lorimer: An Australian Bush Poet, 1901.]

The Ocean of Life

I’ve sailed o’er the Ocean of Life,
Seen its smiles and its frowns in all forms ;
Now fondly caressing sweet joys,
Then wrestling with terrible storms.

Alone on Life’s billows I’ve sped —
Now dashing along with the spray,
Now high on its crest I’ve been borne ;
Then plunged in its depths in dismay.

For only an instant I rose,
To breathe o’er the rough waves of Life,
Then into its foam have been hurled —
Amidst breakers and whirlpools of strife.

In fathomless depths I have plunged.
And breathless awaited my doom,
But have scorned to give way to despair,
Though the Ocean itself were my tomb.

Sydney, July 28, 1871.

Source:
E. A. Petherick (editor). Songs and Verses by Philip Durham Lorimer: An Australian Bush Poet, William Clowes and Sons, London, 1901, page 94