Flame and Shadow(54)

Winter Stars

    I went out at night alone； The young blood flowing beyond the sea Seemed to have drenched¹ my spirit's wings —— I bore my sorrow heavily.

    But when I lifted up my head From shadows shaken on the snow, I saw Orion in the east Burn steadily² as long ago.

    From windows in my father's house, Dreaming my dreams on winter nights, I watched Orion as a girl Above another city's lights.

    Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too, The world's heart breaks beneath its wars, All things are changed, save in the east The faithful³ beauty of the stars.A Boy

    Out of the noise of tired people working, Harried⁴ with thoughts of war and lists of dead, His beauty met me like a fresh wind blowing, Clean boyish beauty and high-held head.

    Eyes that told secrets, lips that would not tell them, Fearless and shy the young unwearied eyes —— Men die by millions now, because God blunders⁵, Yet to have made this boy he must be wise.