ACROSS THE YEARS I shall leap into the shadows that are falling from the house, From the old house standing on the cedar-wood hill, I shall frighten off the dusty-feathered, slumbering grouse, And hurry to the tale forgot behind the window-sill. 'Ah, no!' sighs the house, Oh let the wild birds nest On the cedar-wood hill.' I shall peer into the corners where the spiders weave I shall read the mute walls, I shall warily thieve 'Ah, no!' sighs the house, 'My heart is dead. Oh let the ghost words rest In their cedar-wood bed.' I shall leap up to the door and I shall rattle at the knob 'Ah, no!' sighs the house, In a cedar-wood grave nest May 11, 1919. TO JOSEPH CONRAD (The Heart of Darkness') A little tremulous, I follow you, I will have joy of fear in jungle deeps. Dips by in omened flash. My still heart leaps And eyes are hounds. Was that a phantom flew, Goes out sleep-walking by your side. Now swift October 19, 1919. THE HOUSE OF MY BELOVED In the house of my beloved My own eyes saw her put a hand I have not seen a stain or crease This is a strange and lovely house, February 8, 1920.. THE HALT OF SUMMER When the early summer shadows skirt the hill Unflowered in the pool, but the lilac brings May 31, 1920. |