A poem by Karin Boye

THE SEA

Salt, bitter salt

the sea is, and clear and cold.

Deep down, there’s much that moulders,

the sea though cleanses all.

Wild, beast of prey wild

is the surf in its glittering bound,

but no human thoughts have ever

the sea-song’s full-bodied sound.

Strong, endless and strong

is the mighty march of the waves,

and strong with the unending sea

each gentle transient wave.

So give your life to the sea. There’s

life-blood required of a man,

though lastly, deep in the depths, he

will gain rest that none other can.