The Equinox (Volume I, Number IX)

THE EQUINOX Thou that hast granted heaven in a kiss, O Darling, need I tell thee what is this? (x11) I linger happily by the muddy river, Watching the lights, the dappled waters shine Under them, and the little leaves that quiver Along the dull green waters’ broken line. And thou art there still mirrored; thou art calling Through the trees, and through the clouds, and through the rain; In reverie I wander: oh, enthralling, To see thee mirrored in my poet's pain! O mariner! What wayward, rock-bound stream Is this? Past what immemorable town Of fable flows it? What forgotten dream Evokes this image—rill and moor and down, And a far shore where, under a rainy moon, Are nuptials, and a feasting, and a swoon? (xv) For art’s sake let there be no more delaying; Since we have found Love, with him let us linger: Upon our hearts new chords he'll still be playing— Upon what secret strings shall stray his finger? We talk so foolishly of love! We lie Lip unto lip, heart pressed to beating breast All too oblivious of the hours that fly For ever onward to eternal rest. 194