Book 10 — THE BACKWARD LOOK[1]
Reading edition
THE BACKWARD LOOK[1]
TALCOTT M. BANKS '90
Once on a bright October day, I took the road whose winding track Leads up among the hills away Across Taconic's shaggy back, Leaving the valley broad and fair For barren heights in upper air.
At last I stood upon the crest; The ruddy sun was sinking low, And all the country to the west Lay flooded with a golden glow— A fairyland of misty light, Unsullied by the touch of night.
I turned, and lo, a sudden change Had swept across the valley's face. The shadow of Taconic's range Had fallen on the lovely place; And darkness followed thick and fast Behind the shadow as it passed.
Since then the changeful years have flown Till now once more I seem to stand Upon the mountain top alone, And look abroad upon the land. But all before is gray and dim, Half-hidden in the cloud-wrack grim; While in the Berkshire valley stays The light that dawned in happier days.
Literary Monthly, 1893.
[Footnote 1: Copyright, 1907, by T.M. Banks. With permission.]