I'VE learned, in dream or legend dark, That all love-letters purged with fire, Drawn in one constellated spark, To heaven aspire. To-night there streams across the sky An unfamiliar reef of stars; Are those the letters you and I Thrust through the bars? In tears of joy they once were read, In tears of suffering slowly burned; And now to stars hung overhead Can each be turned? O leaves too warm to be discreet, O panting words that throbbed too loud With starry laughter now you meet Behind a cloud! You watch us sleeping all night long, Until gray morning bids you fade; You charge us, with your choral song, Be undismayed! Alas! the Magians knew your names, Ye ancient lamps of amber light; 'Tis vanity of passion claims So rare delight. We might as well lay claim to Mars! -- And yet -- I surely understand That softest yellow flashing star's Italian hand? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LACHRYMATORY by CHARLES TENNYSON TURNER ONCE I PASS'D THROUGH A POPULOUS CITY by WALT WHITMAN SORROWS AND CONSOLATIONS by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 7. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) CONTENTED MIND by JANE (HUGHES) BRERETON BEREAVEMENT by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |