Light-poised, all tenderly the skiffs;
While rays of light played o'er their polished sides,
As slowly rose and sank they on the tides.
Kissed by the sun they grew; their colors' sheen
Of rose and emerald-touched tips; between
The amethyst deepened to a royal tone
Of purple, and I stood and gazed, alone!
I knew that naught of earth was left save me
To look upon that strange and glorious sea!
And, as I gazed, wild flames leapt up to seize