TENTH OPAL

Colors that tremble and perish,

Atoms that follow the law,

You mirror the truth which we cherish,

You mirror the spirit we saw.

Glow of the daybreak tender,

Flushed with an opaline gleam,

And passionate sunset-splendor —

Ye both but embody a dream.

Visions of cloud-hidden glory

Breaking from sources of light

Mimic the mist of life's story.

Mingled of scarlet and white.

Sunset-clouds iridescent,

Opals, and mists of the day,

Are thrilled alike with the crescent

Delight of a deathless ray

Shot through the hesitant trouble

Of particles floating in space,

And touching each wandering bubble

With tints of a rainbowed grace.

So through the veil of emotion

Trembles the light of the truth;

And so may the light of devotion

Glorify life — age and youth.

Sufferings,— pangs that seem cruel,—

These are but atoms adrift:

The light streams through, and a jewel

Is formed for us, Heaven's own gift!