The ocean tramp

Where have you been, O wandering soul?I have journeyed far and wide;I drift to a home in any port,Drift out upon any tide.

And what have you lost, O restless soul?I have left it seemeth meA bit of my youth in all the portsThat are clustered round the sea.

What have you learned? The stress of the shore,The deep sea's desperate strife,Some secret knowledge of men and thingsAnd the undertow of life.

Found you no happiness anywhereIn the countries where you roved?Once, only once,—a handful of nights,—With one whom I met and loved.