I Went to Sea

I went to sea in a glass-bottomed boat

And found that the loveliest shells of all

Are hidden below in valleys of sand.

I saw coral and sponge and weed

And bubbles like jewels dangling.

I saw a creature with eyes of mist

Go by slowly.

Star-fish fingers held the water . . .

Let it go again . . .

I saw little fish, the children of the sea;

They were gay and busy.

I wanted the sea-weed purple; I wanted the shells;

I wanted a little fish to hold in my hands;

I wanted the big fish to stop wandering about,

And tell me all they knew . . .

I have come back safe and dry

And know no more secrets

Than yesterday!