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The Mystic Sea

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

Topics: classic

The smell of the sea in my nostrils,     The sound of the sea in mine ears;     The touch of the spray on my burning face,     Like the mist of reluctant tears.     The blue of the sky above me,     The green of the waves beneath;     The sun flashing down on a gray-white sail     Like a scimitar from its sheath.     And ever the breaking billows,     And ever the rocks' disdain;     And ever a thrill in mine inmost heart     That my reason cannot explain.     So I say to my heart, "Be silent,     The mystery of time is here;     Death's way will be plain when we fathom the main,     And the secret of life be clear."

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"The smell of the sea in my nostrils,..."

This evocative piece by Paul Laurence Dunbar, titled "The Mystic Sea", represents a masterful exploration of classic. The lines capture a profound emotional resonance... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...

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Author:Paul Laurence Dunbar

"The smell of the sea in my nostrils,..." by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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Paul Laurence Dunbar

About Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was an American poet and novelist who was one of the first African-American writers to gain national prominence. His poems in dialect—including "When Malindy Sings"—and standard English explore Black life with humor, pathos, and dignity.

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