Page:Rainbows - Custance (1902).djvu/58

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

The Lingering Day

Stepping between the sunset's scarlet wings,
The fair Day puts aside her proud disguise:
And from her weary head she backward flings
The hood of sunshine hiding her strange eyes.
And smiling softly at the startled west,
She stands and watches till the splendour dies,
And silver twilight calls the winds to rest,
And silence settles at the heart of things.

But wherefore should you linger, Oh, bright Day,
And watch so wistfully and watch so late?
The sun has gone, and you have cast away
The gifts he gave: the mystic seals of fate,

46