 | In Russet & Silver |  |
126
RUIN
As I was walking in my lunar dream
Up those dim stairs that lead to break of day,
My soul's Chimera barred the starry way,
And broke the thread-like hope, the glimmering beam;
Up those dim stairs that lead to break of day,
My soul's Chimera barred the starry way,
And broke the thread-like hope, the glimmering beam;
Methought my spirit pealed a stifled scream,—
So hideous-fair the monster, loud and gay,
So turbulent and blithe, in riotous play.
It called upon me, shouting, to blaspheme:
So hideous-fair the monster, loud and gay,
So turbulent and blithe, in riotous play.
It called upon me, shouting, to blaspheme:
And my weak flesh, pledg'd to God's work and word,
Discreet and mild, subdued to yearn and learn,
Almost redeemed, a blanching miracle,—
Flushing deep red, with acrid juices stirred,
Before this vast brute, gross and taciturn,
Rolled, crashing, back into the heart of hell.
Discreet and mild, subdued to yearn and learn,
Almost redeemed, a blanching miracle,—
Flushing deep red, with acrid juices stirred,
Before this vast brute, gross and taciturn,
Rolled, crashing, back into the heart of hell.
| In Russet & Silver | |