TOMYMOTHER
　　VIRGINIAWHITMOREMARQUIS
　　CONTENTS
　　PROEM
　　DAYLIGHTHUMORS
　　THISISANOTHERDAY
　　APRILSONG
　　THEEARTH，ITISALSOASTAR
　　THENAME
　　THEBIRTH
　　AMOODOFPAVLOWA
　　THEPOOL
　　"THEYHADNOPOET"
　　NEWYORK
　　AHYMN
　　THESINGER
　　WORDSARENOTGUNS
　　WITHTHESUBMARINES
　　NICHOLASOFMONTENEGRO
　　DICKENS
　　APOLITICIAN
　　THEBAYONET
　　THEBUTCHERSATPRAYER
　　SHADOWS
　　HAUNTED
　　ANIGHTMARE
　　THEMOTHER
　　INTHEBAYOU
　　THESAILOR’SWIFESPEAKS
　　HUNTED
　　ADREAMCHILD
　　ACROSSTHENIGHT
　　SEACHANGES
　　THETAVERNOFDESPAIR
　　COLORSANDSURFACES
　　AGOLDENLAD
　　THESAGEANDTHEWOMAN
　　NEWSFROMBABYLON
　　ARHYMEOFTHEROADS
　　THELANDOFYESTERDAY
　　OCTOBER
　　CHANTOFTHECHANGINGHOURS
　　DREAMSANDDUST
　　SELVES
　　THEWAGES
　　INMARS，WHATAVATAR？
　　THEGOD—MAKER，MAN
　　UNREST
　　THEPILTDOWNSKULL
　　THESEEKER
　　THEAWAKENING
　　ASONGOFMEN
　　THENOBLERLESSON
　　ATLAST
　　LYRICS
　　"KINGPANDION，HEISDEAD"
　　DAVIDTOBATHSHEBA
　　THEJESTERS
　　"MARY，MARY，QUITECONTRARY"
　　THETRIOLET
　　FROMTHEBRIDGE
　　"PALADINS，PALADINS，YOUTHNOBLE—HEARTED"
　　"MYLANDS，NOTTHINE"
　　TOADANCINGDOLL
　　LOWERNEWYORK——ASTORM
　　ATSUNSET
　　ACHRISTMASGIFT
　　SILVIA
　　THEEXPLORERS
　　EARLYAUTUMN
　　"TIMESTEALSFROMLOVE"
　　THERONDEAU
　　VISITORS
　　THEPARTING
　　ANOPENFIRE
　　REALITIES
　　REALITIES
　　THESTRUGGLE
　　THEREBEL
　　THECHILDANDTHEMILL
　　"SICTRANSITGLORIAMUNDI"
　　THECOMRADE
　　ENVOI
　　PROEM
　　"SOLETTHEMPASS，THESESONGSOFMINE"
　　Soletthempass，thesesongsofmine，Intooblivion，norrepine;
　　Abandonedruinsoflargeschemes，Dimmedlightsadriftfromnoblerdreams，WeakwingsIspedonquestsdivine，Soletthempass，thesesongsofmine。
　　Theysoar，orsinkephemeral——
　　Icarenotgreatlywhichbefall！
　　ForifnosongIe’erhadwrought，StillhaveIlovedandlaughedandfought;
　　Soletthempass，thesesongsofmine;
　　Istingtoohotwithlifetowhine！
　　StillshallIstruggle，fail，aspire，LoseGod，andfindGodsinthemire，Anddrinkdream—deeplife’sheadywine——
　　Soletthempass，thesesongsofmine。
　　DAYLIGHTHUMORS
　　THISISANOTHERDAY
　　IAMmineownpriest，andIshrivemyselfOfallmywastedyesterdays。ThoughsinAndslothandfoolishness，andallillweedsOferror，evil，andneglectgrowrankAnduglythere，IdareforgivemyselfThaterror，sin，andslothandfoolishness。
　　GodknowsthatyesterdayIplayedthefool;
　　GodknowsthatyesterdayIplayedtheknave;
　　ButshallIthereforecloudthisnewdawno’erWithfogoffutilesighsandvainregrets？
　　Thisisanotherday！AndflushedHopewalksAdownthesunwardslopeswithgoldenshoon。
　　Thisisanotherday;anditsyoungstrengthIslaiduponthequiveringhillsuntil，LikeEgypt’sMemnon，theygrowquickwithsong。
　　Thisisanotherday，andtheboldworldLeapsupandgraspsitslight，andlaughs，asleaptPrometheusupandwrenchedthefirefromZeus。
　　Thisisanotherday——areitseyesblurredWithmaudlingriefforanywastedpast？
　　Athousandthousandfailuresshallnotdaunt！
　　Letdustclaspdust;death，death——Iamalive！
　　AndoutofallthedustanddeathofmineOldselvesIdaretoliftasingingheartAndlivingfaith;myspiritdaresdrinkdeepOftheredmirthmantlinginthecupofmorn。
　　APRILSONG
　　FLEETacrossthegrassesFlashthefeetofSpring，Piping，ashepassesFleetacrossthegrasses，"Follow，ladsandlasses！
　　Sing，world，sing！"
　　FleetacrossthegrassesFlashthefeetofSpring！
　　IdlewindsdeliverRumorsthroughthetown，Talesofreedsthatquiver，Idlewindsdeliver，WheretherapidriverDragsthewillowsdown——
　　IdlewindsdeliverRumorsthroughthetown。
　　InthecountryplacesBythesilverbrooksAprilairshergraces;
　　InthecountryplacesWaywardAprilpaces，Laughterinherlooks;
　　InthecountryplacesBythesilverbrooks。
　　HintsofalienglamorEvenreachthetown;
　　UrbanmusesstammerHintsofalienglamor，Butthecity’sclamorBeatsthevoicesdown;
　　HintsofalienglamorEvenreachthetown。
　　THISEARTH，ITISALSOASTAR
　　WHEREthesingersofSaturnfindtongue，WheretheGalaxy’sloversembrace，Ourworldanditsbeautyaresung！
　　TheyleanfromtheircasementstotraceIfourplanetstillspinsinitsplace;
　　Faithfablesthethingthatweare，AndFantasylaughsandgiveschase:
　　Thisearth，itisalsoastar！
　　Roundthesun，thatisfixed，andhungForalampinthedarknessofspaceWearewhirled，weareswirled，weareflung;
　　SingingandshiningweraceAndourlightontheupliftedfaceOfdreamerorprophetafarMayfallasasymbolofgrace:
　　Thisearth，itisalsoastar！
　　LookingoutwhereourplanetisswungDoubtloseshiswrithengrimace，Dryheartsdrinkthegleamsandareyoung;——
　　Whereagony’sboughsinterlaceHisGardensomeJesusmaypace，Lifting，thewanavatar，Hissoultothislightasavase！
　　Thisearth，itisalsoastar！
　　GreatspiritsinsorrowfulcaseYearntousthroughthevaporsthatbar:
　　Canstthinkofthat，soul，andbebase？——
　　Thisearth，itisalsoastar！
　　THENAME
　　ITshiftsandshiftsfromformtoform，Itdriftsanddarkles，gleamsandglows;
　　Itisthepassionofthestorm，Thepoignanceoftherose;
　　Throughchangingshapes，throughdeviousways，Bynoonornight，throughcloudorflame，MyhearthasfollowedallmydaysSomethingIcannotname。
　　Insunlightonsomewoman’shair，Orstarlightinsomewoman’seyne，OrinlowlaughtersmotheredwhereHerredlipsweddedmine，Myhearthathknown，andthrilledtoknow，Thisunnamedpresencethatitsought;
　　Andwhenmyhearthathfounditso，"Loveisthename，"Ithought。
　　SometimeswhensuddenafterglowsInfutileglorystormtheskiesWithintheirtransientgoldandroseThesecretstirsanddies;
　　Orwhenthetramplingmornwalkso’erThetroubledseas，withfeetofflame，Myawedheartwhispers，"Asknomore，ForBeautyisthename！"
　　OrdreaminginoldchapelswhereThedimaislespulsewithmurmuringsThatpartaremusic，partareprayer——
　　（Orrushofhiddenwings）
　　SometimesIliftastartledheadTosomesaint’scarvencountenance，Halffancyingthatthelipshavesaid，AllnamesmeanGod，perchance！"
　　THEBIRTH
　　THEREisalegendthattheloveofGodSoquickenedunderMary’sheartitwroughtHerverymaidenhoodtoholierstuff……
　　Howeverthatmaybe，thebirthbefellUponanightwhenalltheSyrianstarsSwayedtremulousbeforeonelordlierorbThatroseingradualsplendor，Paused，Floodingthefirmamentwithmysticlight，AnddroppeduponthebreathinghillsAsuddenmusicLikeadistillationfromitsgleams;
　　Arainofspiritandadewofsong！
　　AMOODOFPAVLOWA
　　THEsouloftheSpringthroughitsbodyofearthBurstsinabloomoffire，Andthecrocusescomeinarainbowriotofmirth……
　　Theyflutter，theyburn，theytakewing，theyaspire……
　　Wings，motionandmusicandflame，Flower，womanandlaughter，andallthesethesame！
　　Sheislightandfirstloveandtheyouthoftheworld，Sheissandaledwithjoy……sheisliftedandwhirled，Sheisflung，sheisswirled，sheisdrivenalongBythecarnivalwindsthathavetornherawayFromthecoronalbloomonthebrowoftheMay……
　　Sheisyouth，sheisfoam，sheisflame，sheisvisibleSong！
　　THEPOOL
　　REACHover，myUndine，andclutchmeareed——
　　Nymphofmineidleness，notchmeapipe——
　　ForIamfulfilledofthesilence，andlongFortoutterthesenseofthesilenceinsong。
　　Down—streamalltherapidsaretroubledwithpebblesThatfetterandfretwhatthewaterwouldutter，Anditrushesandsplashesintremuloustrebles;
　　Itmakeshastethroughtheshallows，itssoulisaflutter;
　　ButhereallthesoundissereneandoutspreadInthemurmurousmoodsofaslow—swirlingpool;
　　Hereallthesoundsareunhurriedandcool;
　　Everysilenceiskithtoasound;theyarewed，Theyaremated，aremingled，aretangled，arebound;
　　Everyhushisinlovewithasound，everysoundBythelawofitslifetosomesilenceisbound。
　　Thenherewillwehide;idlehereandabide，Inthecoverthere，closebythewaterside——
　　Here，wheretheslimflatteredreedsareaquiverWiththeexquisitehintsofthereticentriver，Here，wherethelipsofthispoolarethelipsOfallpools，letuslistenandquestionandwait;
　　Letusharktothewhispersofloveandofdeath，Letusharktothelispingsoflifeandoffate——
　　InthisplacewherepalesilencesflowerintosoundLetusstriveforsomesecretofalltheprofoundDeepandcalmSilencethatmeshesmen’round！
　　There’sasmuchofGodhintedinoneripple’splashes——
　　There’sasmuchofTruthglintsinyondragon—
　　fly’sflight——
　　There’sasmuchPurposegleamswhereyondertroutflashesAsin——anybookelse！——couldwereadthingsaright。
　　Thennymphofmineindolence，hereletushide，Learn，listen，andquestion;idlehereandabideWheretherushesandliliesleanlowtothetide。
　　"THEYHADNOPOET……"
　　"Vainwasthechief’s，thesage’spride！
　　Theyhadnopoetandtheydied。"——POPE。
　　ByTigris，orthestreamsofInd，EreColchisrose，orBabylon，Forgottenempiresdreamedandsinned，Settingtalltownsagainstthedawn，Which，whentheproudSunsmoteupon，Flashedfireforfireandprideforpride;
　　Theirnameswere……Askoblivion！……
　　"Theyhadnopoet，andtheydied。"
　　Queens，duskofhairandtawny—skinned，Thatlollwherefellowleopardsfawn……
　　Theirheartsaredustbeforethewind，Theirloves，thatshooktheworld，arewan！
　　Passionismighty……but，anon，StrongDeathhasRomanceforhisbride;
　　Theirlegends……Askoblivion！……
　　"Theyhadnopoet，andtheydied。"
　　Heroes，thebraggarttrumpsthatdinnedTheirfutiletriumphs，monarch，pawn，Wildtribesmen，kingdomsdisciplined，Passedlikeawhirlwindandweregone;
　　Theybuiltwithbronzeandgoldandbrawn，TheinnerVisionstilldenied;
　　Theirconquests……Askoblivion！……
　　"Theyhadnopoet，andtheydied。"
　　Dumboracles，andpriestswithdrawn，Wasitbutfleshtheydeified？
　　Theirgodswere……Askoblivion！……
　　"Theyhadnopoet，andtheydied。"
　　NEWYORK
　　SHEishottotheseathatcrouchesbeside，Humanandhottothecoolstarspeeringdown，Mypassionatecity，myquiveringtown，Andherdarkblood，tideuponpurpletide，Withthrobsasofthunderbeats，Withleapingrhythmsandvast，isswirledThroughtheshakenlengthsofherveinedstreets……
　　Shepulses，theheartofaworld！
　　Ihavethrilledwithherecstasy，agony，woe——
　　HathsheamoodthatIdonotknow？
　　Thewindsofhermusictumultuoushaveseizedmeandswayedme，Havelifted，haveswungmearoundIntheirwhorlsasofcyclonicsound;
　　Herpassionshavetornmeandtossedmeandbrayedme;
　　Drunkenandtrancedanddazzledwithvisionsandgleams，Ihavespunwithherdervishpriests;
　　IhavesearchedtothesoulsofherhuntedbeastsAndfoundlovesleepingthere;
　　Ihavesoaredonthewingsofherflashingdreams;
　　Ihavesunkwithherdulldespair;
　　Ihavesweatwithhertravailsandcursedwithherpains;
　　Ihaveswelledwithherfoolishpride;
　　IhaveragedthroughathickredmistatonewithherbrandedCains，WithherbrokenChristshavedied。
　　Obeautifulhalf—godcityofvisionsandlove！
　　Ohideoushalf—brutecityofhate！
　　Owhollyhumanandbaffledandpassionatetown！
　　Thethroesofthyburgeoning，stressofthyfight，Thybitter，blindstruggletogainforthybodyasoul，Ihaveknown，Ihavefelt，andbeenshakenthereby！
　　Wakenedandshakenandbroken，ForIhearinthythundersterrificthatthrobthroughthyrapidveinsThebeatoftheheartofaworld。
　　AHYMN
　　（1914）
　　CLOTHEDonwiththunderandwithsteelAndblackagainstthedawnThewhirlingarmiesclashandreel……
　　Awind，andtheyaregoneLikemistswithdrawn，Likemistswithdrawn！
　　Likecloudswithdrawn，likedrivensands，Earth’sbodyvanisheth:
　　Onesolidthingunconqueredstands，Theghostthathumblesdeath。
　　Allelseisbreath，Allelseisbreath！
　　Manrosefromoutthestingingslime，Halfbrute，andsoughtasoul，Andupthestarrierwaysoftime，Halfgod，untohisgoal，Hestillmustclimb，Hestillmustclimb！
　　Whatthoughworldsstagger，andthesunsSeemshakenintheirplace，TrustthoutheleapinglovethatrunsCreativeoverspace:
　　Takeheartofgrace，Takeheartofgrace！
　　WhatthoughgreatkingdomsfallondeathBeforethestabbingblade，Theirbrazenmightwasonlybreath，Theirsubstancebutashade——
　　Benotdismayed，Benotdismayed！
　　Man’sdreamwhichconqueredbruteandclodShallfailnot，butendure，Shallrise，thoughbeatentothesod，Shallholditsvantagesure——
　　AssureasGod，AssureasGod！
　　THESINGER
　　ALITTLEwhile，withloveandyouth，Hewandered，singing:——
　　Hefeltlife’spulseshotandstrongBeatallhisrapidveinsalong;
　　Hewroughtlife’srhythmsintosong:
　　Helaughed，hesangtheDawn！
　　Soclose，soclosetolifehedweltThatatraretimesandrapthefeltThefleshlybarriersyieldandmelt;
　　Hetrembled，lookingonCreationathermiracles;
　　Hissoul—sightpiercedtheearthlyshellsAndsawthespiritweaveitsspells，Theveilofclaywithdrawn;——
　　Alittlewhile，withloveandyouth，Hewandered，singing！
　　Alittlewhile，withageanddeath，Hewanders，dreaming;——
　　NomorethethunderandtheurgeOfearth’sfulltidesthatstormthevergeOfheavenwiththeirsweepandsurgeShalllift，shallbearhimon;
　　WhereisthegoldenhopethatledHimcomradewiththemightydead？
　　Thelovethataureoledhishead？——
　　Thegloryiswithdrawn！
　　Howshallonesoarwithbrokenwings？
　　TheleaguedmightoffutilethingsWarswiththeheartthatdaresandsings;——
　　ItisnotalwaysDawn！
　　Alittlewhile，withageanddeath，Hewanders，dreaming。
　　WORDSARENOTGUNS
　　Putbythesword（adreamersaith），Theyearsofpeacedrawnigh！
　　AlreadythemillennialdawnMakesredtheeasternsky！
　　Benotdeceived。Itcomesnotyet！
　　TheancientpassionskeepAlivebeneaththeirchangingmasks。
　　Theyarenotdead。Theysleep。
　　Surelypeacecomes。AssureasManRosefromprimevalslime。
　　Thatwasnotyesterday。There’sstillAwearyheighttoclimb！
　　AndwecandwelltoolongwithdreamsAndplaytoomuchwithwords，ForgettingourinheritanceWasboughtandheldwithswords。
　　ButTruth（yousay）makestyrantsquail——
　　BeatsdownembattledWrong？
　　Iftruthbearmed！Benotdeceived。
　　Thestrifeistothestrong。
　　Wordsarenotguns。Wordsarenotships。
　　Andshipsandgunsprevail。
　　Ourliberties，thatbloodhasgained，Areguarded，ortheyfail。
　　Truthdoesnottriumphwithoutblows，Errornottamelyyields。
　　Butfalsehoodcloseswithquickfaith，Fierce，onathousandfields。
　　Andsurely，somewhatofthatfaithOurfathersfoughtforclings！
　　Whichcalledthisfreedom’shemisphere，DespiteEarth’sleaguedkings。
　　Greatcreedsgrowthews，orelsetheydie。
　　Thoughtclothedindeedislord。
　　Whatarethygods？Thygodsbroughtlove？
　　Theyalsobroughtasword。
　　Unchallenged，shallwealwaysstand，Secure，apart，aloof？
　　Benotdeceived。ThathourshallcomeWhichputsustotheproof。
　　Then，thatweholdthetrustwehaveSafeguardedforoursons，Letusceasedreaming！LetushaveMoreships，moretroops，moreguns！
　　WITHTHESUBMARINES
　　ABOVE，thebaffledtwilightfails;beneath，theblindsnakescreep;
　　Besideusglidesthecharnelshark，ourpilotthroughthedeep;
　　And，lurkingwherelowheadlandsshieldfromcruisingscoutandspy，Webidethesignalthroughthegloomthatbidsusslayordie。
　　Allwatchful，mute，thecrouchinggunsthatguardthestraitsealanes——
　　Watchfulandhawklike，plumedwithhate，thedesperateaeroplanes——
　　Andstillasdeathandswiftasfate，abovethedarklingcoasts，ThespyingWirelesssowsthenightwithtroopsofstealthyghosts，Whilehushedthroughallherhuddledstreetsthetide—walledcitywaitsThedrummingthundersthatannouncebrutebattleathergates。
　　Southwardahundredwindyleagues，throughstormsthatblindandbar，Ourcheatedcruiserssearchthewaves，ourcap—
　　tainsseekthewar;
　　Butheretheportofperilis;thefoeman’sdread—
　　noughtsrideSullenandblackagainstthemoon，uponasullentide。
　　Andonlywetolaunchourselvesagainsttheirstarkadvance——
　　Toguideuncertainlightningsthroughthesetreach—
　　erousseasofchance！……
　　Andnowawheelingsearchlightpaintsasignalonthenight;
　　Andnowthebellowinggunsareloudwiththewildlustoffight……
　　Andnow，herflanksofsteelapulsewithallthepowerofhell，Forthfromthedarknessleapsinprideahatefulmiracle，TheflagshipoftheirAdmiral——andnowGodhelpandsave！——
　　WechallengeDeathatDeath’sowngame;wesinkbeneaththewave！……
　　Ah，steadynow——andonegoodblow——onestraightstabthroughthegloom——
　　Ah，good！——thethrustwenthome！——shefounders——
　　flounderstoherdoom！——
　　Fullspeedahead！——thosedamnedquick—firingguns——butletthembark——
　　What’sthat——thedynamos？——they’vegotus，men！
　　——Christ！inthedark！
　　NICHOLASOFMONTENEGRO
　　（1912）
　　HEspeaksasstraightashisriflesshot，Asstraightasathrustingblade，WaitingthedeedthatshalltroublethetruceHissavagegunshavemade。
　　"Youhavedaredthewrathofadozenstates，"
　　Wasthechallengethatheheard;
　　"Wecandiebutonce！"saidthegrimoldKingAshegrippedhismountainsword。
　　"ForIpaidinbloodforthetownItook，Thebloodofmybravemenslain，——
　　AndifyoucovetthetownItookYoumustbuyitwithbloodagain！"
　　SternoldKingofthestark，blackhills，Wherethelean，fierceeaglesbreed，Yourspeechringstrueasyourgoodswordrings——
　　Andyouareakingindeed！
　　DICKENS
　　"TheonlybookthatthepartyhadwasavolumeofDickens。
　　Duringthesixmonthsthattheylayinthecavewhichtheyhadhackedintheice，waitingforspringtocome，theyreadthisvolumethroughagainandagain。"——Fromanewspaperreportofanantarcticexpedition。
　　HUDDLEDwithintheirsavagelairTheyhearkenedtotheprowlingwind;
　　Theyheardtheloudwingsofdespair……
　　Andmadnessbeatagainstthemind……
　　AsunlessworldstretchedstarkoutsideAsifithadcursedGodanddied;
　　DumbplainslaypronebeneaththeweightOfcoldunutterablygreat;
　　Ironiceboundallthebitterseas，Thebrutalhillswerebleakashate……
　　HerenonebutDeathmightwalkatease！
　　ThenDickensspoke，and，lo！thevastUnpeopledvoidstirredintolife;
　　Thedeadworldquickened，themadblastHushedforanhouritsidiotstrifeWithnothingness……
　　Andfromthegloom，Partingtheflapsoffrozenskin，Oldfriendsanddearcametroopingin，Andlightandlaughterfilledtheroom……
　　Voicesandfaces，shapesbeloved，Babblinglipsandkindlyeyes，Notghosts，butfriendsthatlivedandmoved……
　　Theybroughtthesunfromotherskies，TheywroughtthemagicthatdispelsThebittererpartofloneliness……
　　AndwhentheyvanishedeachmandreamedHisdreamthereinthewilderness……
　　OneheardthechimeofChristmasbells，And，staringdownacountrylane，Sawbrightagainstthewindow—paneThefirelightbeckonwarmandred……
　　AndoneturnedfromthewatersideWhereThamesrollsdownhisslothfultideTobreastthehumanseathatbeatsThroughroaringLondon’sbatteredstreetsAndrevelinthemoodsofmen……
　　AndonesawalltheAprilhillsMadegladwithgoldendaffodils，Andfoundandkissedhisloveagain……
　　ByallthetroubledheartshecheersInhomelywaysorbylosttrails，ByalllightshedthroughalldarkyearsWhenhopegrowssickandcouragequails，Wehailhimfirstamonghispeers;
　　Whetherwesorrow，sing，orfeast，He，too，hathknownandunderstood——
　　Masterofmanymoods，highpriestOfmirthandlordofcleansingtears！
　　APOLITICIAN
　　LEADERnomore，bejudgedofus！
　　HailedChief，andloved，ofyore——
　　Youth，andthefaithofyouth，cryout:
　　LeaderandChiefnomore！
　　WedreamedaProphet，flushedwithfaith，ContenttotoilinpainIfthathissacrificemightbe，Somehow，hispeople’sgain。
　　Wesawavision，andourbloodBeatredandhotandstrong:
　　"Leadus（wecried）towaragainstSomefoul，embattledwrong！"
　　WedreamedaWarriorwhoseswordWasedgedforshamandshame;
　　WedreamedaStatesmanfaraboveThevulgarlustforfame。