SONNET TO ——.
Reading edition
WRITTEN AFTER A MIDNIGHT WALK.
———
BY R. H. BACON.
———
An arrow tipped with solar fire should write
Upon the tablet of a cloudless sky
Its burning characters, so that the bright
And glowing fancies of my soul could lie
Faintly portrayed before thee, were the high,
Unwonted thoughts that thrill my wondering heart
Fitly expressed. Alas! I have no art
To body forth emotion; nor to lay
Upon the edge of words a fringe of fire:
Day turns to night, and night gives place to day.
While I am baffled in my vain desire!
Yet, haunted by the memory of the moon
And mystic stars that walk night’s gentle noon,
I string again my long-neglected lyre.