 | Romance and revery |  |
137
DISSONANCES.
First Voice.
How sad that when a few years vanish, I
Shall surely die!
Shall surely die!
All that the unfinished world may grandly be,
I must not see.
I must not see.
Rich harmonies from discord streaming clear,
I shall not hear.
I shall not hear.
Equality's last fine triumphant throe
I shall not know.
I shall not know.
Stupendous deeds by science shall be wrought
When I am naught!
When I am naught!
The last expiring hate's last bitter hiss
My soul shall miss.
My soul shall miss.
Love's golden universality august
Shall find me dust.
Shall find me dust.
Oh, anguish, that when these few years are fled
I shall be dead!
I shall be dead!
138
How sad that death, when I so long to die,
Should pass me by!
Should pass me by!
Life on my heart like a great fetter weighs,
Whose links are days.
Whose links are days.
Equality? Shout it to the starving mobs
Monopoly robs!
Monopoly robs!
The glory of science? Do we praise, indeed,
Cripples for speed?
Cripples for speed?
When all believe she has perished, crafty hate
Will hibernate.
Will hibernate.
Love's final reign? Salute her, loyal sons,
With needle-guns! ...
With needle-guns! ...
I too have thrilled while shadowing mists were drawn
From deeps of dawn!
From deeps of dawn!
I too have talked with stars, entranced, inspired ...
To-night I am tired! ...
To-night I am tired! ...
| Romance and revery | |