Songs of the Spirit

So I depart upon the desert way, So I strive ever toward the copper sky, With lips burnt black and blind in either eye. I move for ever to my mystic goal Where I may drain a fountain never dry, And of Life’s guerdon gather in the whole, And on celestial manna satisfy my soul. Each night new failure and each day fresh strength, A sense of something nearer day by day ; Though the ill road’s intolerable length, League upon league, fling back the torrid ray Of the fierce sunlight night can scarce allay With the incessant beating of cool wings, And men’s bleached skeletons infest the way, Yet Hope her passion like a flower brings, And Courage ranks me with unconquerable kings. So, in the power of these who guard my path, I hope one day to earn a loftier crown Than that pale garland fresh from summer scath That I called Love, and lie delighted down Beside the fountains, fled the roaring town, 51