The Pensive Prisoner
My thoughts came drifting down the Prison where I lay—
Through the Windows of their Wings the stars were
shining—
The wings bore me away—the russet Wings and grey
With feathers like the moon-bleached Flowers—I was a
God reclining :
Beneath me lay my Body's Chain and all the Dragons born
of Pain
As I burned through the Prison Roof to walk on Pavement
Shining.
The Wild Wind of Liberty swept through my Hair and sang
beyond :
I heard the Souls of men asleep chattering in the Eaves
And rode on topmost Boughs of Heaven's single-moon-
fruited Silver Wand,
Night's unifying Tree whereof the central Stars be leaves—
O Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts,—Fire-angel-birds relent-
less—
Will you not brood in God's Star-tree and leave Red Heart
tormentless !
