EARTH’S INSUFFICIENCY

Wrapt in the falling veil of night, Worlds unknown sweep about me; The shadow lands of ghostly light Deep in mystery greet me. Swiftly grow sight and hearing faint, As the forms of earthly things, Passing confused without restraint, Waver as borne forth by wings. Time is no more, nor place; Dark regions all, with spectres rife,— Gray worlds that fill not space, That pass beyond this bounded life! Life, the slave of the hour long, Can it give the deed unwrought, Cancel the memory of wrong, Or ever reach the end we sought? One little hour of joy and hope,— ’Tis gone. Canst thou, Earth Spirit, In all thy power’s scope, From time’s unturning tide recall it? Or at thy will the end require Of all that guides the falling rain, And propels the stars of fire Through the ethereal domain?