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Ocean and Earth

 "The earth was all before me. With a heart Joyous, not scared at its own liberty, I look about; and should the chosen guide Be nothing better than a wandering cloud, I cannot miss my way." ~ William Wordsworth 

Extract From "The Excursion"

By William Wordsworth

Such was the boy-- but for the growing youth,
What soul was his, when, from the naked top
Of some bold headland, he beheld the sun
Rise up, and bathe the world in light! He looked--
Ocean and earth, the solid frame of earth
And ocean's liquid mass, beneath him lay
In gladness and deep joy. The clouds were touched,
And in their silent faces did he read
Unutterable love. Sound needed none,
Now any voice of joy; his spirit drank
The spectacle: sensation, soul, and form
All melted into him; they swallowed up
His animal being; in them did he live,
And by them did he live; they were his life.
In such access of mind, in such high hour
Of visitation from the living God,
Thought was not; in enjoyment it expired.
No thanks he breathed, he proffered no request;
Rapt into still communion that transcends
The imperfect offices of prayer and praise,
His mind was a Thanksgiving to the power
That made him; it was blessedness and love!

This poem is in the public domain from Quiet Hours: A Collection of Poems (1874)

Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen

Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment. 

Photos of the Atlantic Ocean were taken at Assateague Island, Berlin, Maryland, USA.
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