On The Cliff-Top

FACE upward to the sky Quiet I lie: Quiet as if the finger of God's will Had bade this human mechanism 'be still!' And sent the intangible essence, this strange I, All wondering forth to His eternity. Below, the sea's sound, faint As dying saint Telling of gone-by sorrows long at rest: Above, the fearless sea-gull's shimmering breast Painted a moment on the dark blue skies-- A hovering joy, that while I watch it flies. Alike unheeded now Old griefs, and thou Quick-wingèd Joy, that like a bird at play Pleasest thyself to visit me to-day: On the cliff-top, earth dim and heaven clear, My soul lies calmly, above hope--or fear. But not--(do Thou forbid Whose stainless lid Wept tears at Lazarus' grave, and looking down Afar off, upon Solyma's doomed town.) Ah, not above love--human yet divine-- Which, Thee seen first, in Thee sees all of Thine! Is't sunset? The keen breeze Blows from the seas: And at my side a pleasant vision stands With her brown eyes and kind extended hands. Dear, we'll go down together and full fain From the cliff-top to the busy world again.