Sunset on the Shore

The sea was crashing 'gainst the shore
A thousand lives of foam, or more
Had greedily engaged the core
Of sunlight piercing waves.
The quiet cliffs, the dropping moor
Were white, against the scattered floor
Of oceans curling golden doors
Across the aqua skies.
The seashell dipped her scarlet chest
Against the places where the crest
Fell floating through the scattered nests
Of gulls, upon the rocks---
And breezes skipped across the sea
To make it ruffle, lace and reed
Against the temporary bleed
Of sunset on the shores.