Ambergris

26 AMBERGRIS Now, ere youth fades, flows in peace past woody bank and green eyot. Highest, white heather and rock, Mountain and pine, with young laughter, Breezes that murmur and mock Duller delights to come after, Wild as a swallow that dives whither the sea wind would waft her. Lower, an ocean of flowers, Trees that are warmer and leafier, Starrier, sunnier hours Spurning the stain of all grief here, Bringing a quiet delight to us, beyond our belief here. Lastly, the uttermost sea, Starred with the flakes of spray sunlit, Blue as its caverns that be Crystal, resplendent, yet unlit ; So like a mother receives the kiss of the dainty-lip runlet. Here the green moss is my seat, Beech is the canopy o’er me, Calm and content the retreat ; Man, my worst foe, cannot bore me ; Life is a closed book behind—Shelley an open be- fore me. Shelley’s own birds are above Close to me (why should they fear me ?) May I believe it—that love Brings his bright spirit so near me That, should I whisper one word—Shelley’s swift spirit would hear me ?