58
LIFE RETURNING.
LIFE RETURNING.
After War-time.
![O](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/IllumPoemsAllenO.png/65px-IllumPoemsAllenO.png)
This poor damp brow, or flying freshly by
On wings of mountain wind, or tenderly
In links of visionary embraces clutching
Me from the yawning grave—
Can I believe thou yet hast power to save?
I see thee, O my life, like phantom giant
Stand on the hill-top, large against the dawn,
Upon the night-black clouds a picture drawn
Of aspect wonderful, with hope defiant,
And so majestic grown
I scarce discern the image as my own.
Stand on the hill-top, large against the dawn,
Upon the night-black clouds a picture drawn
Of aspect wonderful, with hope defiant,
And so majestic grown
I scarce discern the image as my own.
Those mists furl off, and through the vale resplendent
I see the pathway of my years prolong:
Not without labor, yet for labor strong:
Not without pain, but pain whose touch transcendent
I see the pathway of my years prolong:
Not without labor, yet for labor strong:
Not without pain, but pain whose touch transcendent