HE PREFERS HER EARTHLY

This after-sunset is a sight for seeing,

Cliff-heads of craggy cloud surrounding it.

— And dwell you in that glory-show?

You may; for there are strange strange things in being,

Stranger than I know.

Yet if that chasm of splendour claim your presence

Which glows between the ash cloud and the dun,

How changed must be your mortal mould!

Changed to a firmament-riding earthless essence

From what you were of old:

All too unlike the fond and fragile creature

Then known to me... Well, shall I say it plain?

I would not have you thus and there,

But still would grieve on, missing you, still feature

You as the one you were.