STARS

The naked stars, deep beyond deep,

Burn purely through the nervèd night.

Over the narrow sleep

Of men tired of light;

Deep within deep, as clouds behind

Huge grey clouds hidden gleaming rise,

Untroubled by sharp wind

In cold desert skies.

Cold deserts now with infinite host

Of gathered spears at watch o'er small

Armies of men lost

In glooms funereal.

O bitter light, all-threatening stars,

O tired ghosts of men that sleep

After stern mortal wars

‘ Neath skies chill and steep.

These mortal hills, this flickering sea,

This shadowy and thoughtful night,

Throb with infinity,

Burn with immortal light.