首页 >出版文学> Moments of Vision and Miscellaneous Verses>第1章
  Contents:
  MomentsofVisionTheVoiceofThings"Whybeatpains?"
  "Wesatatthewindow"
  AfternoonServiceatMellstockAttheWicket—gateInaMuseumApostrophetoanOldPsalmTuneAttheWord"Farewell"
  FirstSightofHerandAfterTheRivalHeredity"Youwerethesortthatmenforget"
  She,I,andTheyNearLanivet,1872
  JoysofMemoryTotheMoonCopyingArchitectureinanOldMinsterToShakespeareQuidhicagis?
  OnaMidsummerEveTimingHerBeforeKnowledgeTheBlindedBird"Thewindblewwords"
  TheFadedFaceTheRiddleTheDuelAtMayfairLodgingsTomyFather’sViolinTheStatueofLibertyTheBackgroundandtheFigureTheChangeSittingontheBridgeTheYoungChurchwarden"Itravelasaphantomnow"
  LinestoaMovementinMozart’sE—flatSymphony"Intheseventies"
  ThePedigreeThisHeart。AWoman’sDreamWheretheylivedTheOccultationLifelaughsOnwardThePeace—offering"Somethingtapped"
  TheWoundAMerrymakinginQuestion"Isaidandsangherexcellence"
  AJanuaryNight。1879
  AKissTheAnnouncementTheOxenTheTressesThePhotographOnaHeathAnAnniversary"BytheRunicStone"
  ThePinkFrockTransformationsInherPrecinctsTheLastSignalTheHouseofSilenceGreatThingsTheChimesTheFigureintheScene"WhydidIsketch"
  ConjectureTheBlowLovetheMonopolistAtMiddle—fieldGateinFebruaryTheYouthwhocarriedaLightTheHeadabovetheFogOverlookingtheRiverStourTheMusicalBoxOnSturminsterFoot—bridgeRoyalSponsorsOldFurnitureAThoughtinTwoMoodsTheLastPerformance"Youonthetower"
  TheInterloperLogsontheHearthTheSunshadeTheAgeingHouseTheCagedGoldfinchAtMadameTussaud’sinVictorianYearsTheBalletTheFiveStudentsTheWind’sProphecyDuringWindandRainHeprefersherEarthlyTheDollsMollygoneABackwardSpringLookingAcrossAtaSeasideTownin1869
  TheGlimpseThePedestrian"Who’sinthenextroom?"
  AtaCountryFairTheMemorialBrass:186—
  HerLove—birdsPayingCallsTheUpperBirch—Leaves"Itneverlookslikesummer"
  EverythingcomesTheManwithaPastHefearshisGoodFortuneHewondersaboutHimselfJubilateHerevisitshisFirstSchool"Ithought,myheart"
  FragmentMidnightontheGreatWesternHoneymoonTimeatanInnTheRobin"IroseandwenttoRou’tortown"
  TheNettlesInaWaiting—roomTheClock—winderOldExcursionsTheMaskedFaceInaWhisperingGalleryTheSomethingthatsavedHimTheEnemy’sPortraitImaginingsOntheDoorstepSignsandTokensPathsofFormerTimeTheClockoftheYearsAtthePianoTheShadowontheStoneIntheGardenTheTreeandtheLadyAnUpbraidingTheYoungGlass—stainerLookingataPictureonanAnniversaryTheChoirmaster’sBurialTheManwhoforgotWhiledrawinginaChurchyard"ForLifeIhadnevercaredgreatly"
  POEMSOFWARANDPATRIOTISM:
  "Menwhomarchaway"(SongoftheSoldiers)
  HisCountryEnglandtoGermanyin1914
  OntheBelgianExpatriationAnAppealtoAmericaonbehalfoftheBelgianDestituteThePityofItInTimeofWarsandTumultsInTimeof"theBreakingofnations"
  CryoftheHomelessBeforeMarchingandAfter"Oftenwhenwarring"
  ThenandNowACalltoNationalServiceTheDeadandtheLivingOneANewYear’sEveinWarTime"Imetaman"
  "Ilookedupfrommywriting"
  FINALE:
  TheComingoftheEndAfterwardsMOMENTSOFVISION
  ThatmirrorWhichmakesofmenatransparency,WhoholdsthatmirrorAndbidsussuchabreast—barespectacleseeOfyouandme?
  ThatmirrorWhosemagicpenetrateslikeadart,WholiftsthatmirrorAndthrowsourmindbackonus,andourheart,Untilwestart?
  ThatmirrorWorkswellinthesenighthoursofache;
  WhyinthatmirrorAretinctsweneverseeourselvesoncetakeWhentheworldisawake?
  ThatmirrorCantesteachmortalwhenunaware;
  Yea,thatstrangemirrorMaycatchhislastthoughts,wholelifefoulorfair,Glassingit——where?
  THEVOICEOFTHINGS
  FortyAugusts——aye,andseveralmore——ago,WhenIpacedtheheadlandsloosedfromdullemploy,Thewaveshuzza’dlikeamultitudebelowIntheswayofanall—includingjoyWithoutcloy。
  BlanklyIwalkedthereadoubledecadeafter,Whenthwartshadflungtheirtoilsinfrontofme,AndIheardthewaterswagginginalongironiclaughterAtthelotofmen,andallthevapouryThingsthatbe。
  WheelingchangehassetmeagainstandingwhereOnceIheardthewaveshuzzaatLammas—tide;
  Buttheysupplicatenow——likeacongregationthereWhomurmurtheConfession——Ioutside,Prayerdenied。
  "WHYBEATPAINS?"
  (Wooer’sSong)
  WhybeatpainsthatIshouldknowYousoughtnotme?
  Dobreezes,then,makefeaturesglowSorosily?
  Come,thelitportisatourback,Andthetumblingsea;
  ElsewherethelamplessuphilltrackTouncertainty!
  Oshouldnotwetwowaifsjoinhands?
  Iamalone,YouwouldenrichmemorethanlandsBybeingmyown。
  Yet,thoughthisfacilemomentflies,Closeisyourtone,Andereto—morrow’sdewfalldriesIploughtheunknown。
  "WESATATTHEWINDOW"
  (Bournemouth,1875)
  Wesatatthewindowlookingout,AndtheraincamedownlikesilkenstringsThatSwithin’sday。EachgutterandspoutBabbleduncheckedinthebusywayOfwitlessthings:
  Nothingtoread,nothingtoseeSeemedinthatroomforherandmeOnSwithin’sday。
  Wewereirkedbythescene,byourownselves;yes,ForIdidnotknow,nordidsheinferHowmuchtherewastoreadandguessByherinme,andtoseeandcrownBymeinher。
  Wastedweretwosoulsintheirprime,Andgreatwasthewaste,thatJulytimeWhentheraincamedown。
  AFTERNOONSERVICEATMELLSTOCK
  (Circa1850)
  OnafternoonsofdrowsycalmWestoodinthepanelledpew,Singingone—voicedaTate—and—BradypsalmTothetuneof"CambridgeNew。"
  Wewatchedtheelms,wewatchedtherooks,Thecloudsuponthebreeze,Betweenthewhilesofglancingatourbooks,Andswayinglikethetrees。
  Somindlesswerethoseoutpourings!—
  ThoughIamnotawareThatIhavegainedbysubtlethoughtonthingsSincewestoodpsalmingthere。
  ATTHEWICKET—GATE
  Therefloatedthesoundsofchurch—chiming,Butnoonewasnigh,Tilltherecame,asabreakintheloneness,Herfather,she,I。
  Andweslowlymovedontothewicket,Anddownlookingstood,Tillanonpeoplepassed,andamidthemWepartedforgood。
  Greater,wiser,mayparttherethanwethreeWhopartedtherethen,ButneverwillFatescolder—featuredHoldswaythereagain。
  OfthechurchgoersthroughthestillmeadowsNosingleoneknewWhataplaywasplayedundertheireyesthereAsthencewewithdrew。
  INAMUSEUM
  I
  Here’sthemouldofamusicalbirdlongpassedfromlight,Whichovertheearthbeforemancamewaswinging;
  There’sacontraltovoiceIheardlastnight,Thatlodgesinmestillwithitssweetsinging。
  II
  SuchadreamisTimethatthecooofthisancientbirdHasperishednot,butisblent,orwillbeblendingMidvisionlesswildsofspacewiththevoicethatIheard,Inthefull—fuguedsongoftheuniverseunending。
  EXETER。
  APOSTROPHETOANOLDPSALMTUNE
  Imetyoufirst——ah,whendidIfirstmeetyou?
  WhenIwasfullofwonder,andinnocent,Standingmeek—eyedwiththoseofchoricbent,WhiledimmingdaygrewdimmerInthepulpit—glimmer。
  MuchriperinyearsImetyou——inatempleWheresummersunsetstreameduponourshapes,Andyouspreadovermelikeagauzethatdrapes,Andflappedfromfloortorafters,Sweetasangels’laughters。
  ButyouhadbeenstrippedofsomeofyouroldvestureByMonk,oranother。Nowyouworenofrill,Andatfirstyoustartledme。ButIknewyoustill,ThoughImissedtheminim’swaver,Andthedottedquaver。
  Igrewaccustomedtoyouthus。AndyouhailedmeThroughonewhoevokedyouoften。ThenatlastYourraiserwasborneoff,andImournedyouhadpassedFrommylifewithyourlateoutsetter;
  TillIsaid,"’Tisbetter!"
  Butyouwaylaidme。Iroseandwentasaghostgoes,Andsaid,eyes—full"I’llneverhearitagain!
  ItisovermuchforscathedandmemoriedmenWhensittingamongstrangepeopleUndertheirsteeple。"
  Now,anewstirreroftonescallsyouupbeforemeAndwakesyourspeech,assheofEndordid(WhensoughtbySaulwho,indisguiseshid,Felldownontheearthtohearit)
  Samuel’sspirit。
  So,yourquiredoraclesbeattilltheymakemetrembleAsIdiscernyourmienintheoldattire,HereintheseturmoiledyearsofbelligerentfireLivingstillon——andonward,maybe,TillDoom’sgreatdaybe!
  Sunday,August13,1916。
  ATTHEWORD"FAREWELL"
  ShelookedlikeabirdfromacloudOntheclammylawn,Movingalone,bare—browedInthedimofdawn。
  ThecandlesalightintheroomFormypartingmealMadeallthingswithoutdoorsloomStrange,ghostly,unreal。
  Thehouritselfwasaghost,AnditseemedtomethenAsofchancesthechancefurthermostIshouldseeheragain。
  IbeheldnotwhereallwassofleetThataPlanofthepastWhichhadruledusfrombirthtimetomeetWasinworkingatlast:
  NopreludedidIthereperceiveToadramaatall,OrforeshadowwhatfortunemightweaveFrombeginningssosmall;
  ButIroseasifquickedbyaspurIwasboundtoobey,AndsteppedthroughthecasementtoherStillaloneinthegray。
  "Iamleavingyou……Farewell!"Isaid,AsIfollowedheronByanalleybareboughsoverspread;
  "Isoonmustbegone!"
  EventhenthescalemighthavebeenturnedAgainstlovebyafeather,—ButcrimsononecheekofhersburnedWhenwecameintogether。
  FIRSTSIGHTOFHERANDAFTER
  AdayisdrawingtoitsfallIhadnotdreamedtosee;
  ThefirstofmanytoenthrallMyspirit,willitbe?
  OristhisevetheendofallSuchnewdelightforme?
  Ijourneyhome:thepatterngrowsOfmoonshadesontheway:
  "Soonthefirstquarter,Isuppose,"
  Sky—glancingtravellerssay;
  Irealizethatit,forthose,Hasbeenacommonday。
  THERIVAL
  Ideterminedtofindoutwhoseitwas—
  Theportraithelookedatso,andsighed;
  BitterlyhaveIruedmymeannessAndweptforitsincehedied!
  Isearchedhisdeskwhenhewasaway,Andtherewasthelikeness——yes,myown!
  TakenwhenIwastheseason’sfairest,Andtime—linesallunknown。
  Ismiledatmyimage,andputitback,Andhewentoncherishingit,untilIwaschafedthathelovednotthemethenliving,Butthatpastwomanstill。
  Well,suchwasmyjealousyatlast,Idestroyedthatfaceoftheformerme;
  CouldyoueverhavedreamedtheheartofwomanWouldworksofoolishly!
  HEREDITY
  Iamthefamilyface;
  Fleshperishes,Iliveon,ProjectingtraitandtraceThroughtimetotimesanon,AndleapingfromplacetoplaceOveroblivion。
  Theyears—heiredfeaturethatcanIncurveandvoiceandeyeDespisethehumanspanOfdurance——thatisI;
  Theeternalthinginman,Thatheedsnocalltodie。
  "YOUWERETHESORTTHATMENFORGET"
  Youwerethesortthatmenforget;
  ThoughI——notyet!—
  Perhapsnotever。YourslightedweaknessAddstothestrengthofmyregret!
  You’dnottheart——youneverhadForgoodorbad—
  Tomakemenseehowsweetyourmeaning,Which,visible,hadcharmedthemglad。
  Youwould,bywordsineptletfall,Offendthemall,EveniftheysawyourwarmdevotionWouldholdyourlife’sbloodattheircall。
  YoulackedtheeyetounderstandThosefriendsoffhandWhosemodewascrude,thoughwhosedimpurportOutpricedthecourtesiesofthebland。
  IamnowtheonlybeingwhoRemembersyouItmaybe。WhatawastethatNatureGrudgedsoulsodeartheartitsdue!
  SHE,I,ANDTHEY
  Iwassitting,Shewasknitting,Andtheportraitsofourfore—folkhungaround;
  Whentherestruckonusasigh;
  "Ah——whatisthat?"saidI:
  "Wasitnotyou?"saidshe。"Asighdidsound。"
  Ihadnotbreathedit,Northenight—windheavedit,Andhowitcametouswecouldnotguess;
  AndwelookedupateachfaceFramedandglazedthereinitsplace,Stillhearkening;butthenceforthwassilentness。
  Halfindreaming,"Thenitsmeaning,"
  Saidwe,"mustbesurelythis;thattheyrepineThatweshouldbethelastOfstocksonceunsurpassed,Andunabletokeepuptheirsturdyline。"
  1916。
  NEARLANIVET,1872
  Therewasastuntedhandpostjustonthecrest,Onlyafewfeethigh:
  Shewastired,andwestoppedinthetwilight—timeforherrest,Atthecrosswaysclosethereby。
  Sheleantback,beingsoweary,againstitsstem,Andlaidherarmsonitsown,Eachopenpalmstretchedouttoeachendofthem,Hersadfacesidewaysthrown。
  Herwhite—clothedformatthisdim—litceaseofdayMadeherlookasonecrucifiedInmygazeatherfromthemidstofthedustyway,Andhurriedly"Don’t,"Icried。
  Idonotthinksheheard。Loosingthenceshesaid,Asshesteppedforthreadytogo,"Iamrestednow。——Somethingstrangecameintomyhead;
  IwishIhadnotleantso!"
  AndwordlesswemovedonwarddownfromthehillInthewestcloud’smurkedobscure,AndlookingbackwecouldseethehandpoststillInthesolitudeofthemoor。
  "Itstruckhertoo,"Ithought,forasifafraidSheheavilybreathedaswetrailed;
  Tillshesaid,"Ididnotthinkhow’twouldlookintheshade,WhenIleanttherelikeonenailed。"
  I,lightly:"There’snothinginit。ForYOU,anyhow!"
  ——"OIknowthereisnot,"saidshe……
  "YetIwonder……Ifnooneisbodilycrucifiednow,Inspiritonemaybe!"
  Andwedraggedonandon,whileweseemedtoseeIntherunningofTime’sfarglassHercrucified,asshehadwonderedifshemightbeSomeday。——Alas,alas!
  JOYSOFMEMORY
  Whenthespringcomesround,andacertaindayLooksoutfromthebrumebytheeasterncopsetreesAndsays,Remember,Ibeginagain,asifitwerenew,AdayoflikedateIoncelivedthrough,Whilingithourbyhouraway;
  SoshallIdotillmyDecember,Whenspringcomesround。
  ItakemyholidaythenandmyrestAwayfromthedunlifehereaboutme,Oldhoursre—greetingWiththequietsensethatbringtheymustSuchthrobsasatfirst,tillIhousewithdust,AndinthenumbnessmyheartsomezestForthingsthatwere,bepastrepeatingWhenspringcomesround。
  TOTHEMOON
  "Whathaveyoulookedat,Moon,Inyourtime,Nowlongpastyourprime?"
  "O,Ihavelookedat,oftenlookedatSweet,sublime,Sorethings,shudderful,nightandnoonInmytime。"
  "Whathaveyoumusedon,Moon,Inyourday,Soaloof,sofaraway?"
  "O,Ihavemusedon,oftenmusedonGrowth,decay,Nationsalive,dead,mad,aswoon,Inmyday!"
  "Haveyoumuchwondered,Moon,Onyourrounds,Self—wrapt,beyondEarth’sbounds?"
  "Yea,Ihavewondered,oftenwonderedAtthesoundsReachingmeofthehumantuneOnmyrounds。"
  "Whatdoyouthinkofit,Moon,Asyougo?
  IsLifemuch,orno?"
  "O,Ithinkofit,oftenthinkofitAsashowGodoughtsurelytoshutupsoon,AsIgo。"
  COPYINGARCHITECTUREINANOLDMINSTER
  (Wimborne)
  HowsmartlythequartersofthehourmarchbyThatthejack—o’—clockneverforgets;
  Ding—dong;andbeforeIhavetracedacusp’seye,Orgotthetruetwistoftheogeeover,Adoubleding—dongricochetts。
  JustsodidheclangherebeforeIcame,AndsowillheclangwhenI’mgoneThroughtheMinster’scavernoushollows——thesameTaleofhoursnevermoretobewillhedeliverTothespeechlessmidnightanddawn!
  Igrowtoconceiveitacalltoghosts,Whosemouldliesbelowandaround。
  Yes;thenext"Come,come,"drawsthemoutfromtheirposts,Andtheygather,andoneshadeappears,andanother,Astheeve—dampscreepfromtheground。
  See——aCourtenaystandsbyhisquatre—foiledtomb,AndaDukeandhisDuchessnear;
  AndoneSirEdmundincolumnedgloom,AndaSaxonkingbythepresbyterychamber;
  Andshapesunknownintherear。
  MaybetheyhavemetforaparleonsomeplanTobetterail—strickenmankind;
  Icatchtheircheepings,thoughthinnerthanTheoverheadcreakofapassager’spinionWhenleavinglandbehind。
  Orperhapstheyspeaktotheyetunborn,AndcautionthemnottocomeToaworldsoancientandtrouble—torn,Offoiledintents,vainlovingkindness,Andardourschilledandnumb。
  TheywastetofogasIstirandstand,Andmovefromthearchedrecess,Andpickupthedrawingthatslippedfrommyhand,AndfeelforthepencilIdroppedinthecrannyInamoment’sforgetfulness。
  TOSHAKESPEARE
  AFTERTHREEHUNDREDYEARS
  BrightbafflingSoul,leastcapturableofthemes,Thou,whodisplay’dstalifeofcommon—place,LeavingnointimatewordorpersonaltraceOfhighdesignoutsidetheartistryOfthypenneddreams,Stillshaltremainatheartunreadeternally。
  Throughhumanorbitsthydiscourseto—day,Despitethyformalpilgrimage,throbsonInharmoniesthatcowOblivion,And,likethewind,withall—uncaredeffectMaintainaswayNotfore—desired,intracksunchosenandunchecked。
  Andyet,atthylastbreath,withmindlessnoteTheboroughclocksbutsamelytonguedthehour,TheAvonjustasalwaysglassedthetower,Thyagewaspublishedonthypassing—bellButindueroteWithotherdwellers’deathsaccordedalikeknell。
  Andatthestrokessometownsman(met,maybe,Andthereonqueriedbysomesquire’sgooddameDrivinginshopward)mayhavegiventhyname,With,"Yes,aworthymanandwell—to—do;
  Though,asforme,Iknewhimbutbyjustaneighbour’snod,’tistrue。
  "I’faith,fewknewhimmuchhere,savebyword,Hehavingelsewhereledhisbusierlife;
  Thoughtobesureheleftwithushiswife。"
  ——"Ah,oneofthetradesmen’ssons,Inowrecall……
  Witty,I’veheard……
  Wedidnotknowhim……Well,good—day。Deathcomestoall。"
  So,likeastrangebrightbirdwesometimesfindTominglewiththebarn—doorbroodawhile,Thenvanishfromtheirhomelydomicile—
  Intoman’spoesy,wewotnotwhence,Flewthystrangemind,Lodgedtherearadiantguest,andspedforeverthence。
  1916。
  QUIDHICAGIS?
  I
  WhenIweeklyknewAnancientpew,AndmurmuredthereTheformsofprayerAndthanksandpraiseIntheancientways,AndheardreadoutDuringAugustdroughtThatchapterfromKingsHarvest—timebrings;
  —Howtheprophet,brokenBygriefsunspoken,WentheavilyawayTofastandtopray,And,whilewaitingtodie,TheLordpassedby,AndawhirlwindandfireDrewnigherandnigher,AndasmallvoiceanonBadehimupandbegone,—
  IdidnotapprehendAsIsattotheendAndwatchedforhersmileAcrossthesunnedaisle,ThatthistaleofaseerWhichcameonceayearMight,whensandswereheaping,Belikeasweatcreeping,OrinanydegreeBearonheroronme!
  II
  Whenlater,bychanceOfcircumstance,ItbefelmetoreadOnahotafternoonAtthelecternthereTheselfsamewordsAsthelessondecreed,TothegatheredfewFromthehamletsnear—
  FolkofflocksandherdsSittinghalfaswoon,WholistenedtheretoAswomenandmenNotovermuchConcernedatsuch—
  So,likethemthen,IdidnotseeWhatdroughtmightbeWithme,withher,AstheKalendarMovedon,andTimeDevouredourprime。
  III
  Butnow,atlast,Whenourgloryhaspassed,AndthereisnosmileFromherintheaisle,ButwhereitonceshoneAmarble,mensay,WithhernamethereonIsdiscernedto—day;
  AndspiritlessInthewildernessIshrinkfromsightAnddesirethenight,(Though,asinoldwise,Imightstillarise,Goforth,andstandAndprophesyintheland),IfeeltheshakeOfwindandearthquake,AndconsumingfireNigherandnigher,Andthevoicecatchclear,"Whatdoestthouhere?"
  TheSpectator1916。DuringtheWar。
  ONAMIDSUMMEREVE
  Iidlycutaparsleystalk,Andblewthereintowardsthemoon;
  IhadnotthoughtwhatghostswouldwalkWithshiveringfootstepstomytune。
  Iwent,andknelt,andscoopedmyhandAsiftodrink,intothebrook,AndafaintfigureseemedtostandAboveme,withthebygonelook。
  Ilippedroughrhymesofchance,notchoice,Ithoughtnotwhatmywordsmightbe;
  TherecameintomyearavoiceThatturnedatendererverseforme。
  TIMINGHER
  (Writtentoanoldfolk—tune)
  Lalage’scoming:
  Whereisshenow,O?
  Turningtobow,O,Andsmile,isshe,Justatparting,Parting,parting,AssheisstartingTocometome?
  Whereisshenow,O,Now,andnow,O,Shadowingabough,O,OfhedgeortreeAssheisrushing,Rushing,rushing,GossamersbrushingTocometome?
  Lalage’scoming;
  Whereisshenow,O;
  Climbingthebrow,O,OfhillsIsee?
  Yes,sheisnearing,Nearing,nearing,WeatherunfearingTocometome。
  Nearisshenow,O,Now,andnow,O;
  Milktherichcow,O,Forwardthetea;
  Shakethedownbedforher,Linensheetsspreadforher,DraperoundtheheadforherComingtome。
  Lalage’scoming,She’snearernow,O,Endanyhow,O,To—day’shusbandry!
  Wouldagiltchairweremine,Slippersofvairweremine,BrushesforhairweremineOfivory!
  Whatwillshethink,O,Shewho’ssocomely,ViewinghowhomelyAsortarewe!
  Nothingresplendent,Nopromptattendant,NotonedependentPertainingtome!
  Lalage’scoming;
  Whereisshenow,O?
  FainI’davow,O,FullhonestlyNoughthere’senoughforher,Allistooroughforher,EvenmyloveforherPoorindegree。
  She’snearernow,O,Stillnearernow,O,She’tis,Ivow,O,Passingthelea。
  Rushdowntomeetherthere,Calloutandgreetherthere,NeverasweeterthereCrossedtome!
  Lalage’scome;aye,Comeisshenow,O!……
  DoesHeavenallow,O,Ameetingtobe?
  Yes,sheisherenow,Herenow,herenow,Nothingtofearnow,Here’sLalage!
  BEFOREKNOWLEDGE
  WhenIwalkedroselesstracksandwide,Eredawnedyourdateformeetingme,OwhydidyounotcryHallooAcrossthestretchbetween,andsay:
  "Wemove,whileyearsasyetdivide,Onclosinglineswhich——thoughitbeYouknowmenotnorIknowyou—
  Willintersectandjoinsomeday!"
  ThenwellIhadborneEachscrapingthorn;
  Butthewintersfroze,Andgrewnorose;
  NobridgebestrodeThegapatall;
  Noshapeyoushowed,AndIheardnocall!
  THEBLINDEDBIRD
  Sozestfullycanstthousing?
  Andallthisindignity,WithGod’sconsent,onthee!
  Blindedereyeta—wingBythered—hotneedlethou,IstandandwonderhowSozestfullythoucanstsing!
  Resentingnotsuchwrong,Thygrievouspainforgot,Eternaldarkthylot,Gropingthywholelifelong;
  Afterthatstaboffire;
  Enjailedinpitilesswire;
  Resentingnotsuchwrong!
  Whohathcharity?Thisbird。
  Whosufferethlongandiskind,Isnotprovoked,thoughblindAndaliveensepulchred?
  Whohopeth,endurethallthings?
  Whothinkethnoevil,butsings?
  Whoisdivine?Thisbird。
  "THEWINDBLEWWORDS"
  Thewindblewwordsalongtheskies,AndtheseitblewtomeThroughthewidedusk:"Liftupyoureyes,Beholdthistroubledtree,Complainingasitswaysandplies;
  Itisalimbofthee。
  "Yea,too,thecreaturesshelteringround—
  Dumbfigures,wildandtame,Yea,too,thyfellowswhoabound—
  EitherofspeechthesameOrfarandstrange——black,dwarfed,andbrowned,Theyarestuffofthyownframe。"
  ImovedoninasurgingaweOfinarticulatenessAtthepatheticMeIsawInallhishugedistress,Makingself—slaughterofthelawTokill,break,orsuppress。
  THEFADEDFACE
  HowwasthisIdidnotseeSuchalookasherewasshownEreitswomanhoodhadblownPastitsfirstfelicity?—
  ThatIdidnotknowyouyoung,FadedFace,Knowyouyoung!
  WhydidTimesoillbesteadThatIheardnovoiceofyoursHailfromoutthecurvedcontoursOfthoselipswhenrosyred;
  Weetednotthesongstheysung,FadedFace,Songstheysung!
  Bytheseblanchings,bloomsofold,Andtherelicsofyourvoice—
  LeavingsrareofrichandchoiceFromyourearlytoneandmould—
  Letmemourn,——aye,sorrow—wrung,FadedFace,Sorrow—wrung!
  THERIDDLE
  I
  StretchingeyeswestOverthesea,Windfoulorfair,AlwaysstoodsheProspect—impressed;
  SolelyoutthereDidhergazerest,NeverelsewhereSeemedcharmtobe。
  II
  AlwayseyeseastPondersshenow—
  Asindevotion—
  HillsofblankbrowWherenowavesplough。
  NevertheleastRoomforemotionDrawnfromtheoceanDoessheallow。
  THEDUEL
  "Iamheretotime,yousee;
  Thegladeiswell—screened——eh?——againstalarm;
  FitplacetovindicatebymyarmThehonourofmyspotlesswife,WhoscornsyourlibeluponherlifeInboastingintimacy!
  "’Allhush—offeringsyou’llspurn,Myhusband。Twomustcome;oneonlygo,’
  Shesaid。’Thathe’llbeyouIknow;
  TofaithlikeoursHeavenwillbejust,AndIshallabideinfullesttrustYourspeedygladreturn。’"
  "Good。HereamalsoI;
  Andwe’llproceedwithoutmorewasteofwordsTowarmyourcockpit。OftheswordsTakeyouyourchoice。IshalltherebyFeelthatonmenoblamecanlie,WhateverFateaccords。"
  Sostrippedtheythere,andfought,Andtheswordsclickedandscraped,andtheonsetssped;
  Tillthehusbandfell;andhisshirtwasredWithstreamsfromhisheart’shotcistern。NoughtCouldsavehimnow;andtheother,wroughtMaybetopity,said:
  "Whydidyouurgeonthis?
  Yourwifeassuredyou;and’thadbetterbeenThatyouhadletthingspass,sereneInconfidenceoflong—triedbliss,HoldingtherecouldbenoughtamissInwhatmywordsmightmean。"
  Then,seeingnorruthnorrageCouldmovehisfoemanmore——nowDeath’sdeafthrall—
  Hewipedhissteel,and,withacallLiketurtledovetodove,swiftbrokeIntothecopse,whereunderanoakHishorsecropt,heldbyapage。
  "All’sover,Sweet,"hecriedTothewife,thusguised;fortheyoungpagewasshe。
  "’Tisaswehopedandsaid’twouldbe。
  Heneverguessed……WemountandrideTowhereourlovecanreignuneyed。
  He’sclay,andwearefree。"
  ATMAYFAIRLODGINGS
  HowcouldIbeaware,TheoppositewindoweyeingAsIlaylistlessthere,ThatthroughitsblindswasdyingOneIhadratedrareBeforeIhadsetmesighingForanothermorefair?
  Hadthehouse—frontbeenglass,Myvisionunobscuring,CouldaughthavecometopassMorehappiness—insuringToher,lovedasalassWhenspouseless,all—alluring?
  Ireckonnot,alas!
  So,thesquarewindowstood,Steadilynight—longshiningInmycloseneighbourhood,WholookedforthundiviningThatsoonwouldgoforgoodOnethereinpainreclining,Unpardoned,unadieu’d。
  SilentlyscreenedfromviewHertragedywasendingThatneednothavecomedueHadshebeenlessunbending。
  Hownear,nearwerewetwoAtthatlastvitalrending,—
  Andneitherofusknew!
  TOMYFATHER’SVIOLIN
  DoeshewantyoudownthereIntheNetherGloomswhereThehoursmaybeadraggingloaduponhim,AshehearstheaxlegrindRoundandroundOfthegreatworld,intheblindStillprofoundOfthenight—time?HemightlivenatthesoundOfyourstring,revealingyouhadnotforgonehim。
  Inthegallerywestthenave,Butafewyardsfromhisgrave,Didyou,tuckedbeneathhischin,tohisbowingGuidethehomelyharmonyOfthequireWhoforlongyearsstrenuously—
  Sonandsire—
  CaughtthestrainsthatathisfingeringloworhigherFromyourfourthinthreadsandeff—holescameoutflowing。
  And,too,whatmerrytunesHewouldbowatnightsornoonsThatchancedtofindhimbenttoluteameasure,WhenhemadeyouspeakhisheartAsindream,Withoutbookormusic—chart,OnsomethemeElusiveasajack—o’—lanthorn’sgleam,Andthepsalmofdutyshelvedfortrillofpleasure。
  Well,youcannot,alas,ThebarrieroverpassThatscreenshiminthoseMournfulMeadshereunder,WherenofiddlingcanbeheardInthegladesOfsilentness,nobirdThrillstheshades;
  Wherenoviolistouchedforsongsorserenades,Nobowingwakesacongregation’swonder。
  Hemustdowithoutyounow,StiryounomoreanyhowToyearningconcordstaughtyouinyourglory;
  While,yourstringsatangledwreck,Oncesmartdrawn,Tenworm—woundsinyourneck,PurflingswanWithdust—hoar,herealoneIsadlyconYourpresentdumbness,shapeyouroldenstory。
  1916。
  THESTATUEOFLIBERTY
  ThisstatueofLiberty,busyman,Hereerectinthecitysquare,Ihavewatchedwhileyourscrubbings,thisearlymorning,Strangelywistful,Andhalftristful,Haveturnedherfromfoultofair;
  Withyourbucketofwater,andmop,andbrush,BringingheroutofthegrimeThathassmearedherduringthesmokesofwinterWithsuchglumnessInherdumbness,Andagedherbeforehertime。
  Youhavewashedherdownwithmotherlycare—
  Head,shoulders,arm,andfoot,Totheveryhemoftherobesthatdrapeher—
  AllexpertlyAndalertly,Tillalongstream,blackwithsoot,Flowsoverthepavementtotheroad,Andhershapeloomspureassnow:
  IreadyouarehiredbytheCityguardians—
  Maybeyearly,Oroncemerely—
  Totreatthestatuesso?
  "Oh,I’mnothiredbytheCouncilmenTocleansethestatueshere。
  Idothisoneasaself—willedduty,Notaspaidto,Oratallmadeto,Butbecausethedoingisdear。"
  Ah,thenIhailyoubrotherandfriend!
  Liberty’sknightdivine。
  Whatyouhavedonewouldhavebeenmydoing,Yea,mostverily,Well,andthoroughly,Hadbutyourcouragebeenmine!
  "OhIcarenotforLiberty’smould,Libertycharmsnotme;
  What’sFreedombutanidler’svision,Vain,pernicious,Oftenvicious,Ofthingsthatcannotbe!
  "Memoryitisthatbringsmetothis—
  Ofadaughter——myonesweetown。
  Shegrewafamouscarver’smodel,OneofthefairestAndoftherarest:—
  Shesatforthefigureasshown。
  "Butalas,shediedinthisdistantplaceBeforeIwaswarnedtobetakeMyselftoherside!……Andinloveofmydarling,Inloveofthefameofher,Andthegoodnameofher,Idothisforhersake。"
  AnswerIgavenot。OfthatformThecarverwasIathisside;
  Hischild,mymodel,heldsosaintly,Grandinfeature,Grossinnature,Inthedensofvicehaddied。
  THEBACKGROUNDANDTHEFIGURE
  (Lover’sDitty)
  Ithinkoftheslopewheretherabbitsfed,Oftheperiwinks’rockworklair,Ofthefuchsiasringingtheirbellsofred—
  Andthesomethingelseseenthere。
  Betweenthebloomswherethesodbaskedbright,Bythebobbingfuchsiatrees,Wasanotherandyetmoreeyesomesight—
  Thesightthatrichenedthese。
  Ishallseekthosebeautiesinthespring,Whenthedaysarefitandfair,ButonlyasfoilstotheonemorethingThatalsowillflowerthere!
  THECHANGE
  Outofthepastthererisesaweek—
  WhoshallreadtheyearsO!—
  OutofthepastthererisesaweekEnringedwithapurplezone。
  OutofthepastthererisesaweekWhenthoughtswerestrungtoothicktospeak,Andthemagicofitslineamentsremainswithmealone。
  Inthatweektherewasheardasinging—
  Whoshallspelltheyears,theyears!—
  Inthatweektherewasheardasinging,Andthewhiteowlwonderedwhy。
  Inthatweek,yea,avoicewasringing,AndforthfromthecasementwerecandlesflingingRadiancethatfellonthedeodarandlitupthepaththereby。
  Couldthatsonghaveamockingnote?—
  WhoshallunrolltheyearsO!—
  CouldthatsonghaveamockingnoteTothewhiteowl’ssenseasitfell?
  CouldthatsonghaveamockingnoteAsittrilledoutwarmfromthesinger’sthroat,Andwhowasthemockerandwhothemockedwhentwofeltallwaswell?
  Inatedioustramplingcrowdyetlater—
  Whoshallbaretheyears,theyears!—
  Inatedioustramplingcrowdyetlater,Whensilverysingingsweredumb;
  Inacrowduncaringwhattimemightfateher,MidmurksofnightIstoodtoawaither,Andthetwangingofironwheelsgaveoutthesignalthatshewascome。
  Shesaidwithatravel—tiredsmile—
  WhoshalllifttheyearsO!—
  Shesaidwithatravel—tiredsmile,Halfscaredbyscenesostrange;
  Shesaid,outwornbymileonmile,Theblurredlampswanningherfacethewhile,"OLove,Iamhere;Iamwithyou!"……Ah,thatthereshouldhavecomeachange!
  Othedoombysomeonespoken—
  Whoshallunsealtheyears,theyears!—
  Othedoomthatgavenotoken,Whennothingofbalesawwe:
  Othedoombysomeonespoken,Otheheartbysomeonebroken,Theheartwhosesweetreverberancesarealltimeleavestome。
  Jan。—Feb。1913。
  SITTINGONTHEBRIDGE
  (Echoofanoldsong)
  SittingonthebridgePastthebarracks,townandridge,AtoncethespiritseizedusTosingasongthatpleasedus—
  As"TheFifth"weremuchinrumour;
  Itwas"WhilstI’minthehumour,Takeme,Paddy,willyounow?"
  Andalancersoondrewnigh,AndhisRoyalIrisheyeSaid,"Willing,faith,amI,O,totakeyouanyhow,dears,Totakeyouanyhow。"
  But,lo!——dadwalkingby,Cried,"What,youlightheels!Fie!
  IsthisthewayyouroamAndmockthesunsetgleam?"
  Andhemarchedusstraightwayhome,Thoughwesaid,"Weareonly,daddy,Singing,’Willyoutakeme,Paddy?’"
  ——Well,weneversawfromthenIfwesangthereanywhen,Thesoldierdearagain,Exceptatnightindream—time,Exceptatnightindream。
  Perhapsthatsoldier’sfightingInalandthat’sfaraway,OrhemaybeidlyplightingSomeforeignhussygay;
  OrperhapshisbonesarewhitingInthewindtotheirdecay!……
  Ah!——doeshemindhimhowThegirlshesawthatdayOnthebridge,weresittingsingingAtthetimeofcurfew—ringing,"Takeme,Paddy;willyounow,dear?
  Paddy,willyounow?"
  GREY’SBRIDGE。
  THEYOUNGCHURCHWARDEN
  Whenhelitthecandlesthere,Andthelightfellonhishand,AndittrembledashescannedHerandme,hisvanquishedairHintedthathisdreamwasdone,AndIsawhehadbegunTounderstand。
  WhenLove’sviolwasunstrung,SoreIwishedthehandthatshookHadbeenminethatsharedherbookWhilethateveninghymnwassung,Histhevictor’s,ashelitCandleswherehehadbiddenussitWithvanquishedlook。
  Nowherdustlieslistlessthere,Hisafarfromtendinghand,Whatavailsthevictoryscanned?
  Doeshesmilefromupperair:
  "Ah,myfriend,yourdreamisdone;
  And’tisYOUwhohavebegunTounderstand!
  "ITRAVELASAPHANTOMNOW"
  Itravelasaphantomnow,ForpeopledonotwishtoseeInfleshandbloodsobareaboughAsNaturemakesofme。
  AndthusIvisitbodilessStrangegloomyhouseholdsoftenatodds,AndwonderifMan’sconsciousnessWasamistakeofGod’s。
  AndnextImeetyou,andIpause,Andthinkthatifmistakeitwere,Assomehavesaid,OthenitwasOnethatIwellcanbear!
  1915。
  LINES
  TOAMOVEMENTINMOZART’SE—FLATSYMPHONY
  ShowmeagainthetimeWhenintheJunetide’sprimeWeflewbymeadsandmountainsnortherly!—
  Yea,tosuchfreshness,fairness,fulness,fineness,freeness,Lovelureslifeon。
  ShowmeagainthedayWhenfromthesandybayWelookedtogetheruponthepesteredsea!—
  Yea,tosuchsurging,swaying,sighing,swelling,shrinking,Lovelureslifeon。
  ShowmeagainthehourWhenbythepinnacledtowerWeeyedeachotherandfearedfuturity!—
  Yea,tosuchbodings,broodings,beatings,blanchings,blessings,Lovelureslifeon。
  Showmeagainjustthis:
  ThemomentofthatkissAwayfromtheprancingfolk,bythestrawberry—tree!—
  Yea,tosuchrashness,ratheness,rareness,ripeness,richness,Lovelureslifeon。
  BegunNovember1898。
  "INTHESEVENTIES"
  "Quiderideturabamicosuosicutego。"——JOB。
  IntheseventiesIwasbearinginmybreast,Pennedtight,CertainstarrythoughtsthatthrewamagiclightOntheworktimesandthesoundlesshoursofrestIntheseventies;aye,IboretheminmybreastPennedtight。
  Intheseventieswhenmyneighbours——evenmyfriend—
  Sawmepass,Headswereshaken,andIheardthewords,"Alas,Forhisonwardyearsandnameunlesshemend!"
  Intheseventies,whenmyneighboursandmyfriendSawmepass。
  IntheseventiesthosewhometmedidnotknowOfthevisionThatimmunedmefromthechillingsofmis—prisionAndthedampsthatchokedmygoingstoandfroIntheseventies;yea,thosenoddersdidnotknowOfthevision。
  Intheseventiesnoughtcoulddarkenordestroyit,Lockedinme,Thoughasdelicateaslamp—worm’slucency;
  NeithermistnormurkcouldweakenoralloyitIntheseventies!——couldnotdarkenordestroyit,Lockedinme。
  THEPEDIGREE
  I
  IbentinthedeepofnightOverapedigreethechroniclergaveAsmine;andasIbentthere,half—unrobed,Theuncurtainedpanesofmywindow—squareletinthewaterylightOfthemooninitsoldage:
  Andgreen—rheumedcloudswerehurryingpastwheremuteandcolditglobedLikeadriftingdolphin’seyeseenthroughalappingwave。
  II
  So,scanningmysire—sowntree,Andthehieroglyphsofthisspousetiedtothat,Withoffspringmappedbelowinlineage,Tillthetanglestroubledme,ThebranchesseemedtotwistintoasearedandcynicfaceWhichwinkedandtokenedtowardsthewindowlikeaMageEnchantingmetogazeagainthereat。
  III
  Itwasamirrornow,AndinitalongperspectiveIcouldtraceOfmybegetters,dwindlingbackwardeachpasteachAllwiththekindredlook,WhosenameshadsincebeeninkeddownintheirplaceOntherecorder’sbook,Generationandgenerationofmymien,andbuild,andbrow。
  IV
  AndthendidIdivineThateveryheaveandcoilandmoveImadeWithinmybrain,andinmymoodandspeech,WasintheglassportrayedAslongforestalledbytheirsomakingit;
  Thefirstofthem,theprimestfuglemenofmyline,Beingfoggedinfarantiquenesspastsurmiseandreason’sreach。
  V
  SaidIthen,sunkintone,"Iammerestmimickerandcounterfeit!—
  Thoughthinking,IAMI
  ANDWHATIDOIDOMYSELFALONE。"
  ——ThecynictwistofthepagethereatunknitBacktoitsnormalfigure,havingwroughtitspurportwry,TheMage’smirrorleftthewindow—square,Andthestainedmoonanddriftretooktheirplacesthere。
  1916。
  THISHEART
  AWOMAN’SDREAM
  Atmidnight,intheroomwherehelaydeadWhominhislifeIhadneverclearlyread,IthoughtifIcouldpeerintothatcitadelHisheart,IshouldatlastknowfullandwellWhatheretohadbeenknowntohimalone,Despiteourlongsit—outofyearsforeflown,"Andif,"Isaid,"Idothisforhismemory’ssake,Itwouldnotwoundhim,evenifhecouldwake。"
  SoIbentoverhim。HeseemedtosmileWithacalmconfidencethewholelongwhileThatI,withdrawinghisheart,helditand,bitbybit,Perusedtheunguessedthingsfoundwrittenonit。
  ItwasinscribedlikeaterrestrialsphereWithquaintvermiculationscloseandclear—
  Hisgraving。HadIknown,wouldIhaveriskedthestrokeItsreadingbrought,andmyownheartnighbroke!
  Yes,thereatlast,eyesopened,didIseeHiswholesinceresymmetrichistory;
  Therewerehistruth,hissimplesinglemindedness,Strained,maybe,bytime’sstorms,buttherenoless。
  TherewerethedailydeedsfromsuntosunInblindness,butgoodfaith,thathehaddone;
  Therewereregrets,atinstanceswhereinheswerved(Asheconceived)fromcherishingsIhaddeserved。
  Therewereoldhoursallfigureddownasbliss—
  Thosespentwithme——(howlittlehadIthoughtthis!)
  Therethosewhen,atmyabsence,whetherhesleptorwaked,(ThoughIknewnot’twasso!)hisspiritached。
  Therethatwhenweweresevered,howdaydulledTilltimejoinedusanew,waschronicled:
  AndargumentsandbattlingsindefenceofmeThatheartrecordedclearlyandruddily。
  Iputitback,andlefthimashelayWhilepiercedthemorningpinkandthenthegrayIntoeachdrearyroomandcorridoraround,WhereIshallwait,buthisstepwillnotsound。
  WHERETHEYLIVED
  DishevelledleavescreepdownUponthatbankto—day,Somegreen,someyellow,andsomepalebrown;
  Thewetbentsbobandsway;
  TheoncewarmslipperyturfissoddenWherewelaughinglysatorlay。
  Thesummerhouseisgone,Leavingaweedyspace;
  ThebushesthatveileditoncehavegrownGaunttreesthatinterlace,ThroughwhoselanklimbsIseetooclearlyThenakednessoftheplace。
  Andwherewerehillsofblue,Blinddriftsofvapourblow,Andthenamesofformerdwellersfew,Ifany,peopleknow,Andinsteadofavoicethatcalled,"Comein,Dears,"
  Timecalls,"Passbelow!"
  THEOCCULTATION
  Whenthecloudshutdownonthemorningshine,Anddarkenedthesun,Isaid,"SoendedthatjoyofmineYearsbackbegun。"
  ButdaycontinueditslustrousrollInupperair;
  AnddidmylateirradiatesoulLiveonsomewhere?
  LIFELAUGHSONWARD
  RamblingIlookedforanoldabodeWhere,yearsback,onehadlivedIknew;
  Itssiteadwellingdulyshowed,Butitwasnew。
  Iwentwhere,notsolongago,Thesodhadriventwobreastsasunder;
  Daisiesthrovegailythere,asthoughNogravewereunder。
  IwalkedalongaterracewhereLoudchildrengambolledinthesun;
  ThefigurethathadoncesatthereWasmissedbynone。
  Lifelaughedandmovedonunsubdued,IsawthatOldsuccumbedtoYoung:
  ’Twaswell。MytooregretfulmoodDiedonmytongue。
  THEPEACE—OFFERING
  Itwasbutalittlething,YetIknewitmeanttomeEasefromwhathadgivenastingTotheverybirdsingingLatterly。
  ButIwouldnotwelcomeit;
  AndforallIthendeclinedOtheregrettingsinfiniteWhenthenight—processionsflitThroughthemind!
  "SOMETHINGTAPPED"
  SomethingtappedonthepaneofmyroomWhentherewasneveratraceOfwindorrain,andIsawinthegloomMywearyBeloved’sface。
  "OIamtiredofwaiting,"shesaid,"Night,morn,noon,afternoon;
  Socolditisinmylonelybed,AndIthoughtyouwouldjoinmesoon!"
  Iroseandnearedthewindow—glass,Butvanishedthencehadshe:
  Onlyapallidmoth,alas,Tappedatthepaneforme。
  August1913。
  THEWOUND
  Iclimbedtothecrest,And,fog—festooned,ThesunlaywestLikeacrimsonwound:
  LikethatwoundofmineOfwhichnoneknew,ForI’dgivennosignThatitpiercedmethrough。
  AMERRYMAKINGINQUESTION
  "Iwillgetanewstringformyfiddle,Andcalltotheneighbourstocome,AndpartnersshalldancedownthemiddleUntiltheoldpewter—wareshum:
  Andwe’llsipthemead,cyder,andrum!"
  Fromthenightcametheoddestofanswers:
  Ahollowwind,likeabassoon,Andheadstonesallrangedupasdancers,Andcypressesdroningacroon,Andgurgoylesthatmouthedtothetune。
  "ISAIDANDSANGHEREXCELLENCE"
  (FickleLover’sSong)
  Isaidandsangherexcellence:
  Theycalleditlaudundue。
  (Haveyourway,myheart,O!)
  YetwhatwashomagefaraboveTheplaindesertsofmyoldenLoveProvedverityofmynew。
  "Shemovesasylphinpicture—land,Wherenothingfroststheair:"
  (Haveyourway,myheart,O!)
  "ToallwingedpipersoverheadSheisknownbyshapeandsong,"Isaid,Consciousoflicencethere。
  IsangofherinadimoldhallDream—builttoofancifully,(Haveyourway,myheart,O!)
  Butlo,theripemonthschancedtoleadMyfeettosuchahallindeed,WherestoodtheveryShe。
  Strange,startling,wasitthentolearnIhadglanceddownunborntime,(Haveyourway,myheart,O!)
  Andprophesied,wherebyIknewThatwhichtheyearshadplannedtodoInwarrantyofmyrhyme。
  BYRUSHY—POND。
  AJANUARYNIGHT
  (1879)
  Therainsmitesmoreandmore,Theeastwindsnarlsandsneezes;
  ThroughthejointsofthequiveringdoorThewaterwheezes。
  Thetipofeachivy—shootWrithesonitsneighbour’sface;
  ThereissomehiddreadafootThatwecannottrace。
  IsitthespiritastrayOfthemanatthehousebelowWhosecoffintheytookinto—day?
  Wedonotknow。
  AKISS
  Byawallthestrangernowcallshis,Wasbornofoldaparticularkiss,Withoutforethoughtinitsgenesis;
  Whichinatricetookwingontheair。
  Andwherethatspotisnothingshows:
  Thereivycalmlygrows,AndnooneknowsWhatabirthwasthere!
  Thatkissisgonewherenonecantell—
  Noteventhosewhofeltitsspell:
  Itcannothavedied;thatknowwewell。