But did not finish,–some way back,
I could not fix the year,
Nor where it went, nor why it came
The second time to me,
Nor definitely what it was,
Have I the art to say.
But somewhere in my soul, I know
I’ve met the thing before;
It just reminded me–‘t was all–
And came my way no more.
The notice to the startled grassThat darkness is about to pass.
In danger, other impetusIs numb and vital-less.As’t were a spur upon the soul,A fear will urge it whereTo go without the spectre’s aidWere challenging despair.
Until a sudden skyReveals the fact that One is raptForever from the Eye—Members of the Invisible,Existing, while we stare,In Leagueless Opportunity,O’ertakenless, as the Air—Why didn’t we detain Them?The Heavens with a smile,Sweep by our disappointed HeadsWithout a syllable—
Me for showingIllegitimate—Would a Smile’s minute bestowingToo exorbitantTo the LadyWith the GuineaLook—if She should knowCrumb of MineA Robin’s LarderWould suffice to stow—
Is but a filament, I know,Of that diviner thingThat faints upon the face of Noon—And smites the Tinder in the Sun—And hinders Gabriel’s Wing—‘Tis this—in Music—hints and sways—And far abroad on Summer days—Distils uncertain pain—‘Tis this enamors in the East—And tints the Transit in the WestWith harrowing Iodine—‘Tis this—invites—appalls—endows&mda sh;Flits—glimmers—proves—di ssolves—Returns—suggests—co nvicts—enchants—Then—flings in Paradise—
If Love be just beyond—To wait Eternity—is short—If Love reward the end—
