I’d fain lig wi’ my kinsfolk,
Fore-elders, brothers, sons,
Wheer t’ star-fish shine like twinklin’ leets,
An’ t’ spring-tide watter runs.
T’ kirkyard’s good for farm-folk,
That ploo an’ milk their kye,
But I could sleep maist soondly
Wheer t’ ships gan sailin’ by.
T’ grave is whisht[4] an’ foulsome,
But clean is t’ saut sea-bed;
Thoo can hark to t’ billows dancin’
To t’ tune o’ t’ tide owerhead.
Yon wreaths o’ floors i’ t’ kirkyard
Sean wither an’ fade away,
But t’ sea-tang wreaths round a droon’d man’s head
Will bide while Judgment Day.
Sae fettle[5] my owd blue coble,
I kessen’d her “Mornin’ Star,”
An’ I’ll away through t’ offin’
Wheer t’ skooals o’ mack’rel are.
Thoo can look for my boat i’ t’ harbour,
When thoo’s said thy mornin’ psalm;
Mebbe I’ll fill my fish-creel full—
Mebbe I’ll nean coom yam.
[1] Kindling.
[2] Grow moist.
[3] Elfish.
[4] Silent.
[5] Get ready.