On such a pleasant evening I rejoice
in the ocean’s waves’ ancient-old voice
as they their thuds against the ship let sound
amidst the vast, blue realm which us surround
These waves, these North Sea hills and vales
which I was taught to fear
from childhood days through songs and tales;
but now they seem so dear
And the beauty is quite overwhelming
as blue sky and ocean blur the horizon
so the sunset’s golden stripe, glimmering,
remains to separate them alone
How odd it seems to muse today
over this stripe of gold
that only ever points my way
with beauty manifold
As centre of the Universe I feel
when seeing this arrow point to me
with never-faltering constancy and zeal
over much-less-constant deep, blue sea
I near forget my destination
as this I observe;
and feelings of emancipation
eases quite my nerve
But even now, in the back of my mind
I know with certaintu
that the freedom and openness I find
on the sea; lives only out at sea
The coast that comes in sight
soon takes it all from me
so that the sunset’s golden light
alone will linger – in my memory