The Poetry Corner

The Hounds

By John Frederick Freeman

Far off a lonely hound Telling his loneliness all round To the dark woods, dark hills, and darker sea; And, answering, the sound Of that yet lonelier sea-hound Telling his loneliness to the solitary stars. Hearing, the kennelled hound Some neighbourhood and comfort found, And slept beneath the comfortless high stars. But that wild sea-hound Unkennelled, called all night all round-- The unneighboured and uncomforted cold sea.