Sonnets and Songs

XXIII

Aspiration

I

The pale and misty particles of Time Hover about us; scarce our eyes can see Youth's far-off dream of what we were to be. Life's truth, which once we would redeem with rhyme, Has proved instead a world-worn pantomime. The running river of expediency Has drowned the hopes that Fortune held in fee-- Why fall upon the track so many climb?

Why strive to speak what all the earth has heard? Why labor at a work the ages plan?-- Life has been lived so oft--an outworn thing! Then hark! the time-sweet carol of a bird, New as a flower; and see--ah, shame to man! The endless aspiration of the Spring.

XXIV

Aspiration

II

The full throat of the world is charged with song, Morning and twilight melt with ecstasy In the high heat of noon. Simply to be, Palpitant where the green spring forces throng, Eager for life, life unashamed and strong-- This is desire fulfilled. Exalted, free, The spirit gains her ether