This composition focuses on expressing the two contrasting ideas in this poem: how the sea can change nature slowly through erosion, and how it can change people’s lives suddenly and dramatically. In the first stanza of text, which describes how the sea can change nature over “a thousands years”, the composition’s themes and ideas are spread throughout a long period of time. In the second stanza, which describes something drastic that the sea can accomplish in “one hour one night,” the harmonic and melodic progressions are very quick, going through intense and chromatic harmonies. The abrupt ending reflects the shock that we feel when tragedy is finally revealed.

Henry From