Cross Roads

THE OLD SAILOR

     I've crossed the bar at last, mates,
        My longest voyage is done;
     And I can sit here, peaceful,
        And watch th' setting sun
     A-smilin' kind of glad like
        Upon the waves so free.
     My longest voyage is done, mates,
        But oh, the heart of me,
     Is out where sea meets skyline!
        My longest voyage is done....
     But—can I sit, in peace, mates,
        And watch the settin' sun?

     For what's a peaceful life, mates,
        When every breeze so free,
     When every gale a-blowin',
        Brings messages to me?
     And is the sky so shinin',
        For all it's golden sun,
     To one who loves the sea, mates,
        And knows his voyage is done?
     And, can a year on land, mates,
        Match with one day—at sea?
     Ah, every wind a-singin'
        Brings memory to me!

     I've crossed the bar at last, mates,
        My longest voyage is past,
     And I must watch the sunset,
        Must see it fade, at last.
     My steps are not so light, mates,
        As they were, years ago;
     And sometimes, when I'm tired,
        My head droops kind of low—
     Yet, though I'm old and—weary,
        The waves that dance so free,
     Keep callin' to my soul, mates,
        And thrill the heart of me!