Called Back

Just lost when I was saved !
Just felt the world go by !
Just girt me for the onset with eternity,
When breath blew back,
And on the other side
I heard recede the disappointed tide !

Therefore, as one returned, I feel,
Odd secrets of the line to tell !
Some sailor, skirting foreign shores,
Some pale reporter from the awful doors
Before the seal !

Next time, to stay !
Next time, the things to see
By ear unheard,
Unscrutinized by eye.

Next time, to tarry,
While the ages steal, --
Slow tramp the centuries,
And the cycles wheel.