Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967). The Old Huntsman and Other Poems. 1918.

39. Noah

WHEN old Noah stared across the floods,

Sky and water melted into one

Looking-glass of shifting tides and sun.

Mountain-tops were few: the ship was foul:

All the morn old Noah marvelled greatly

At this weltering world that shone so stately,

Drowning deep the rivers and the plains.

Through the stillness came a rippling breeze;

Noah sighed, remembering the green trees.

Clear along the morning stooped a bird,—

Lit beside him with a blossomed sprig.

Earth was saved; and Noah danced a jig.