RIDDLES OF MERLIN
Alfred Noyes · 1922
As I was walking
Alone by the sea,
"_What is that whisper?_"
Said Merlin to me.
"Only," I answered,
"The sigh of the wave"--
"_Oh, no_," replied Merlin,
"_'Tis the grass on your grave_."
As I lay dreaming
In churchyard ground
"_Listen_," said Merlin,
"_What is that sound_?"
"The green grass is growing,"
I answered; but he
Chuckled, "_Oh, no!
'Tis the sound of the sea_."
As I went homeward
At dusk by the shore,
"_What is that crimson?_"
Said Merlin once more.
"Only the sun," I said.
"Sinking to rest"--
"_Sunset for East_," he said,
"_Sunrise for West_."