POEM: THE LAST DEFEAT

Across the field of day

In sudden blazon lay

The pallid bar of gold

Borne on the shield of day.

Night had endured so long,

And now the Day grew strong

With lance of light to hold

The Night at bay.

So on my life's dull night

The splendour of your light

Traversed the dusky shield

And shone forth golden bright.

Your colours I have worn

Through all the fight forlorn,

And these, with life, I yield,

To-night, to Night.