Resistance

The sea's deep billows move with noiseless flow 
     Till tides oppose, or coast-lines frown before, 
     Then their rage rouses and they crash and roar, 
And all the winds with foam and thunder sow!
The waves of light through deeps of darkness go
     Icy and black, till, dashed upon the shore 
     Of a blind world, they foam to flames that pour 
Irradiant splendors over all below!
Power slumbers in the calm of quiet souls
     Till stormy days of battle and debate
Rouse the pent fire, when passion's thunder rolls, 
     And thought's swift lightnings leap and corruscate,
Swathing the world in glory! A great life 
Is of Resistance born, and nursed by noble strife.