Even-Star

Garnett, Richard (1835 - 1906)

2I dwell aloof in dim immensity;

3The grey sky sparkles with my fairy light;

4I mix among the dancers of the sea;

5Yet stoop not from the throne I must retain

6High o'er the silver sources of the rain.

7Vicissitude I know not, nor can know,

8Yet much discern strewed everywhere around;

9The ever-stirring race of men below

10Much do I watch, and wish I were not bound

11The chainless captive of this lonely spot,

12Where light-winged Mutability is not.

13I see great cities rise, which being hoar

14Are slowly rendered unto dust again;

15And roaring billows preying on the shore;

16And virgin isles ascending from the main;

17The passing wave of the perpetual river;

18And men depart, and man remaining ever.

19The upturned eyes of many a mortal maid

20Glass me in gathering tears, soon kissed away;

21Then walks she for a space, and then is laid

22Swelling the bosom of the quiet clay.

23I muse what this all-kindling Love may be,

24And what this Death that never comes to me.

1] Even-Star: Venus, the evening and morning star, so-called because it accompanies the sun. Back to Line

Publication Notes

Richard Garnett, Poems (London: Elkin Mathews and John Lane; Boston: Copeland and Day, 1895): 18-19. PR 4708 G5P6

RPO poem Editors

Ian Lancashire