Allurement

Across the world she sends me word, From gardens fair as Falerina's, Now by a blossom, now a bird, To come to her, who long has lured With magic sweeter than Alcina's.

I know not what her word may mean, I know not what may mean the voices She sends as messengers serene, That through the silvery silence lean, To tell me where her heart rejoices.

But I must go! I must away! Must take the path that is appointed! God grant I find her realm some day! Where, by her love, as by a ray, My soul shall be anointed.

BLACK VESPER'S PAGEANTS.

The day, all fierce with carmine, turns An Indian face towards Earth and dies; The west, like some gaunt vase, inurns Its ashes under smouldering skies, Athwart whose bowl one red cloud streams, Strange as a shape some Aztec dreams.

Now shadows mass above the world, And night comes on with wind and rain; The mulberry-colored leaves are hurled Like frantic hands against the pane. And through the forests, bending low, Night stalks like some gigantic woe.

In hollows where the thistle shakes A hoar bloom like a witch's-light, From weed and flower the rain-wind rakes Dead sweetness--as a wildman might, From out the leaves, the woods among, Dig some dead woman, fair and young.

Now let me walk the woodland ways, Alone! except for thoughts, that are Akin to such wild nights and days; A portion of the storm that far Fills Heaven and Earth tumultuously, And my own soul with ecstasy.

OTHER VOLUMES BY MADISON CAWEIN