Madness

(For Sara Teasdale)

The lonely farm, the crowded street, The palace and the slum, Give welcome to my silent feet As, bearing gifts, I come.

Last night a beggar crouched alone, A ragged helpless thing; I set him on a moonbeam throne-- To-day he is a king.

Last night a king in orb and crown Held court with splendid cheer; To-day he tears his purple gown And moans and shrieks in fear.

Not iron bars, nor flashing spears, Not land, nor sky, nor sea, Nor love’s artillery of tears Can keep mine own from me.

Serene, unchanging, ever fair, I smile with secret mirth And in a net of mine own hair I swing the captive earth.