The speaker asks their mother why the sea laughs, sobs, and seems peaceful. The mother responds that the sea laughs as it wishes joy for all, sobs as it remembers the world's sorrows, and seems peaceful to offer the comfort of the deep to our hearts.

1. The Sea
Natividad Marquez

2. Why does the sea laugh, Mother
as it glints beneath the sun?
It is thinking of joys, my child
that it wishes everyone.
Why does the sea sob so, Mother
as it breaks the rocky shore?
It recalls the sorrow of the world
and weeps forever more.

3. Why is the sea so peaceful, Mother?
as if it were fast asleep?
It would give our heart, dearest child
the comfort of the deep.