Ebony and Crystal/Anticipation

by Clark Ashton Smith

For works with similar titles, see Anticipation.

ANTICIPATION

The thought of death to meIs like a well of waters, deep and dim—Cool-gleaming, hushed, and hidden gratefullyAmong the palms asleepAt silver evening on the desert's rim.

Or as a couch of stone,Whereon by moonlight, in a marble room,Some fevered king reposes all alone—So is the hope of sleep,The inalienable surety of the tomb.