University of Virginia Library


249

FLAME ON THE WIND

O wind without that moans and cries, O dark wind in my soul!
I would I were the wet wild wind that's blowing to the Pole!
I'd seek the plunging bergs of ice to cool my flaming heart ...
O Flaming Heart,
I'd drown you deep where the great icebergs roll!
I'd follow on thy beating wings the wings of the wild geese,
I'd seek among the plunging hills the phantom-flight of peace ...
O is there peace for hearts of fire in gloom and cold and flight—
Torches of night
'Mid swaying bergs that grind the trampling seas?
O wind without and rain without, O melancholy choir
Of tempest in the lonely night and tempestwhirled desire,

250

What if there be no peace amid the snowclouds of the Pole ...
O Burning Soul,
Can hills of ice assuage this whirling fire!
O wet wild wind bow down dark wings and winnow me away,
Whirl me on mighty shadowy wings where's neither night nor day,
Where 'mid the plunging bergs of ice may fade a whirling flame ...
O Heart of Flame! ...
'Mid dirges of white shapes that plunge and sway.