AFTER SUNSET

Straight from the sun's grave in the deep clear west

A sweet strong wind blows, glad of life: and I,

Under the soft keen stardawn whence the sky

Takes life renewed, and all night's godlike breast

Palpitates, gradually revealed at rest

By growth and change of ardours felt on high,

Make onward, till the last flame fall and die

And all the world by night's broad hand lie blest.

Haply, meseems, as from that edge of death,

Whereon the day lies dark, a brightening breath

Blows more of benediction than the morn,

So from the graves whereon grief gazing saith

That half our heart of life there lies forlorn

May light or breath at least of hope be born.