MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD

By Walter de la Mare

Bring not bright candles, for his eyes

In twilight have sweet company;

Bring not bright candles, else they fly —

His phantoms fly —

Gazing aggrieved on thee!

Bring not bright candles, startle not

The phantoms of a vacant room,

Flocking above a child that dreams —

Deep, deep in dreams,—

Hid, in the gathering gloom!

Bring not bright candles to those eyes

That between earth and stars descry,

Lovelier for the shadows there,

Children of air,

Palaces in the sky!