O, many a time on the Sea of Opal,
The day and the night have narrowly missed;
And many a time on her tremulous bosom
The sun and the moon have passionately kissed.
O, many a star in the Sea of Opal
Has sparkled, and shivered, and sunk from view;
And eyes have grown dim with waiting and watching
For ships that were lost in the shimmering blue.
O, many a heart on the Sea of Opal
Has sailed away in the cold gray mist;
And hearts that were left have fainted of doubting,
With souls unsatisfied, lips unkissed.
O, sweetheart! Life is a Sea of Opal—
The sun is a happiness, sorrow the mist;
And the stars that are lost in its tremulous bosom
Are tears unshed and kisses unkissed.