I Have a Dead Friend (Verse VIII)

I have a dead friend who lately Has begun to visit me: My friend sits down and sings to me, Sings to me so dolefully. 'Upon the double-winged bird's back I am rowing through skies of blue: One of the bird's wings is black, The other, gold of Cariboo.' 'The heart's a madman that abhors One color as one too few: Either its love is two colors, Or else it is not love's hue.' 'There's a madwoman more savage Than is the unhappy heart: She that sucks the blood in rage, And then a-laughing would start.' 'A heart that has lost forever The steadfast anchor of home, Sails like a ship in fould weather, And knows not to go or come.' If his anguish should betray him, The dead man will curse and weep: I pat his skull and I lay him, Lay the dead man down to sleep.