Poems (Blake)/Sunset
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For works with similar titles, see Sunset.
SUNSET.
Flame, O fires of the Sunset, where earth and sky have met,
Like the flare of burning beacons on windy headlands set!
Like the flare of burning beacons on windy headlands set!
Blaze on the distant mountains, blaze on the nearer hill,
While, wrapped in its purple shadow, the valley lies calm and still.
While, wrapped in its purple shadow, the valley lies calm and still.
Crown with an aureole golden the trees on the sloping height,
Fall on the startling ocean in showers of crimson light.
Fall on the startling ocean in showers of crimson light.
Flame till the veils are cloven, the curtains rent in twain,
Till the gates of the temple of heaven are opened to us again,—
Till the gates of the temple of heaven are opened to us again,—
Till we see the mystical wonders your shining portals hide,
And walk in the streets of the city that stands on the farther side,—
And walk in the streets of the city that stands on the farther side,—
Till we find the hopes that vanished like waves from the tide-swept sand,
When the feet of the loved and cherished had entered the Sunset land,—
When the feet of the loved and cherished had entered the Sunset land,—
Till we see with tearful longing, and hold on our hearts once more,
The old familiar faces of those who have gone before,—
The old familiar faces of those who have gone before,—
The old familiar faces, yet bright with a wondrous grace,
As of those who had met the Saviour, and knelt to Him face to face.
As of those who had met the Saviour, and knelt to Him face to face.
Fade, O fires of the Sunset! Fade on the mountain crest,
Scatter the ashes of darkness down from the smouldering west;
Scatter the ashes of darkness down from the smouldering west;
Scatter the ashes of darkness down over grave and sod,
And, sitting beneath the shadow, leave us alone with God.
And, sitting beneath the shadow, leave us alone with God.