REINCARNATION

I saw three souls before a jasper throne

That stood, star-canopied, beyond the world

Where angels knelt before a Presence — furled

White wings and waited. In vast undertone

A Voice said: “Choose!” And instantly were shown

Three chalices: one like a lily curled

About a stem of gold; one was empearled

In silver; one was carved from common stone.

I saw three souls sink swiftly back to earth;

I heard three children wailing in the night;

I met three men of diverse rank and birth:

A king; a priest; a slave whose wretched plight

Moved me to pity, till mine ancient dream

Recalled the proverb: “Things are not what they seem!”