The Sea Marke, by John Smith

The Sea Marke

Aloofe, aloofe, and come no neare,  the dangers doe appeare;Which if my ruine had not beene  you had not seene:I onely lie upon this shelfe  to be a mark to all  which on the same might fall,That none may perish but my selfe. If in or outward you be bound,  doe not forget to sound;Neglect of that was cause of this  to steare amisse.The Seas were calme, the wind was faire,  that made me so secure,  that now I must indureAll weathers be they foule or faire. The Winters cold, the Summers heat,  alternatively beatUpon my bruised sides, that rue  because too trueThat no releefe can ever come.  But why should I despair  Being promised so faireThat there shall be a day of Dome.

poems.one - John Smith