Crow and the Sea

Crow and the Sea by Ted Hughes

He tried ignoring the sea 
But it was bigger than death, just as it was bigger than life. 

He tried talking to the sea 
But his brain shuttered and his eyes winced from it as from open flame. 

He tried sympathy for the sea 
But it shouldered him off - as a dead thing shoulders you off. 

He tried hating the sea 
But instantly felt like a scrutty dry rabbit-dropping on the windy cliff. 

He tried just being in the same world as the sea 
But his lungs were not deep enough 

And his cheery blood banged off it 
Like a water-drop off a hot stove. 

Finally 

He turned his back and he marched away from the sea 

As a crucified man cannot move. 

Form: Free verse Comments

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