Adventurer

Dusk on the sea; the fading twilight shifts' The night wind bears the ocean's whisper dim— Wind, on your bosom many a phantom drifts— A silver star climbs up the blue world rim. Wind, make the green leaves dance above me here And idly swing my silken hammock—so; Now, on that glimmering molten silver mere Send the long ripples wavering to and fro. And let your moon-white tresses touch my face And let me know your slim-armed, cool embrace While to my dreamy soul you whisper low.

Dream—aye, I've dreamed since last night left her tower And now again she comes on star-soled feet. Welcome, old friend; here in this rose-gemmed bower I've drowsed away your Sultan's golden heat. Here in my hammock, Time I've dreamed away For I have but to stretch a hand out, lo, I'm treading langurous shores of Yesterday, Moon-silvered deserts or the star-weird snow; I float o'er seas where ships are purple shells, I hear the tinkle of the camel bells That waft down Cairo's streets when dawn winds blow.

South Seas! I watch when dusky twilight comes Making vague gods of ancient, sea-set trees. The world path beckons—loud the mystic drums— Here at my hand the magic golden keys That fit the doors of Romance, Wonder, strange Dim gossamer adventures; seas and stars. Why, I have roamed the far Moon Mountain range When sunset minted gold in shimmering bars. All eager eyed I've sailed from ports of Spain And watched the flashing topaz of the Main When dawn was flinging witch fire on the spars.

I am content in dreams to roam my fill The vagrant, drifting sport of wind and tide, Slave of the greater freedom, venture's thrill; Here every magic ship on which I ride. Gold, green, blue, red, a priceless treasure trove, More wealth than ever pirate dared to dream. My hammock swings—about the world I rove. The sunset's dusk, the dawning's glide and gleam, Moon-dappled leaves are murmuring in the wind Which whispers tales. Lo, Tyre is just behind, Through seas of dawn I sail, Romance abeam. Robert Ervin Howard