Classic Poem

Between us leapt a gold and scarlet flame.
— Into the hollow of the cupped, arched blue
— Of Heaven it rose. Its flickering tongues up-drew
And vanished in the sunshine. How it came
We guessed not, nor what thing could be its name.
— From each to each had sprung those sparks which flew
— Together into fire. But we knew
The winds would slap and quench it in their game.
— And so we graved and fashioned marble blocks
To treasure it, and placed them round about.
With pillared porticos we wreathed the whole,
— And roofed it with bright bronze. Behind carved locks
Flowered the tall and sheltered flame. Without,
The baffled winds thrust at a column's bole.