I dream I am tossing on ocean waves,
Alone and alone for ever and aye;
I shudder to think of the open graves;
Under daisy blossoms I pray to lie.

O daisy buds I am dreaming of _you_,
Alone and alone for ever and aye;
From a dream of daisies scatter'd with dew
I wake with a start, and a piercing cry.

Let me but dream of affliction and shame,
Of saints that punish and sinners that cower,
Of troubles by sickness and sword and flame,
And _not_ of an innocent daisy flower!

I am haunted by words--by seven words--
Seven words echoing everywhere;
They are borne on breezes, and sung by birds,
They are written on earth and sea and air.

I think there is nothing else is my own;
I think there is nothing else is alive;
Seven words and I are always alone;
The world about me may hunger and strive.

I have heard that mystic meaning is hid,
I have heard that wonderful things are made,
Of the number seven--may God forbid--
For I cannot tell, and I feel afraid.