Classic Poem

For A. H.

I T was a sea uncharted that you sailed,
Oh, Mariner, borne by your winged barque
Beyond far ports, where winds like sirens wailed,
Past the flight of the lark.

It was a field of sunlight and of air,
Oh, Rider, that your magic steed roamed over, —
Where clouds were left like dust along the glare,
And the stars were like clover.

It was a land of nothingness and space,
Where, Conqueror, you entered and unfurled
An earthly ensign in a pathless place
Beyond the certain world.

It was a stairway that the foot of Man
Had never through the ages long ascended, —
But toward the sun, oh, Child, you laughed and ran,
Until your playtime ended.

It was a tryst you went unto, oh, Lover! —
With Death, your Bride, — who prays you fare no more
From her small house ... and gives you grass for cover ...
And bars a silent door.