XL
We waked not till again the cruel day came.
The level lake with fire was burnished white.
It bit into the eyes, wounded the sight,
And all the barren land was like a flame.
We lay beside a window wherein came
The scent and sight of cedars, their slim height,
Above them, higher towering, black as night,
One sad and sombre pine—the badge of shame.
Within its glooming shadows I saw glare
The night-bird of the wild and awful stare,
My black, black Bird of Night, to you I cried,
In peace let me a little, pray, abide,
Then to your twilights take me, Bird of Night,
Since now I’m one with you: I fear the light.