I see it as it looked one afternoon

    In August，——by a fresh soft breeze o'erblown.

    The swiftness of the tide， the light thereon，

    A far-off sail， white as a crescent moon.

    The shining waters with pale currents strewn，

    The quiet fishing-smacks， the Eastern cove，

    The semi-circle of its dark， green grove.

    The luminous grasses， and the merry sun

    In the grave sky； the sparkle far and wide，

    Laughter of unseen children， cheerful chirp

    Of crickets， and low lisp of rippling tide，

    Light summer clouds fantastical as sleep

    Changing unnoted while I gazed thereon.

    All these fair sounds and sights I made my own.