At the grey soft edge of the fruitless surf

A light flame sinks and springs;

At the grey soft rim of the flowerless turf

A low flame leaps and clings.

What light is this on a sunless shore,

What gleam on a starless sea?

Was it earth's or hell's waste womb that bore

Such births as should not be?

As lithe snakes turning, as bright stars burning,

They bicker and beckon and call;