Ode to the Sea

By Pablo Neruda

 

Here  Surrounding the island  There's sea.  But what sea? It's always overflowing.

Says yes, Then no, Then no again, And no, Says yes In blue In sea spray Raging,

Says no And no again. It can't be still. It stammers My name is sea.

 

It slaps the rocks And when they aren't convinced, Strokes them And soaks them

And smothers them with kisses. With seven green tongues Of seven green dogs

Or seven green tigers Or seven green seas, Beating its chest, Stammering its name,

 

Oh Sea, This is your name. Oh comrade ocean, Don't waste time Or water Getting so upset Help us instead. We are meagre fishermen, Men from the shore Who are hungry and cold And you're our foe. Don't beat so hard, Don't shout so loud,

Open your green coffers, Place gifts of silver in our hands. Give us this day

our daily fish.