THE melancholy marshes brood In all their rich monotony: Beyond them, in a twilight mood, The more than melancholy sea. A seemly spot for news of death: The message comes, with tidal pain: The ancient faring-forth of breath, The young laid low, the lovely slain. Her life was one that, river-sweet, Across the uplands ran, -- but then Inexorably plunged to meet The under waves that wait for men, The lethal waters, salt and still, Wherover mystery bides; the Vast Whose voice is mystic, and whose will Is stronger than our will at last. * * * * * * * * * The marsh is troubled in its dream By a faint, tremulous stir of air: Is it the passing of the stream, The young fresh soul that was so fair? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE by KAREN SWENSON STANZAS FOR MUSIC (4) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON BALLADE OF DEAD ACTORS by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY THE HIGHWAYMAN by ALFRED NOYES MAY MORNING by CELIA LEIGHTON THAXTER |