HIGH WINDS
She liked to feel the high winds blow, And, watching from a hilltop west,See all the world to yellow glow With silvers for the harbour's breast.She liked to taste the gardens brought From valley-ranging of the wind,That in its robber hands had caught The fragrances she could not find.
And I have seen her stand and sway In gales blown inland from the sea,As if she longed to drive away A stifling indoor memory.A fragile creature, she had strength To gain an eyrie many seek,Untiring there to win at length The vantage of the loftiest peak.
I do not think she minded Death, I think at last to her he cameAs some divine, triumphant breath, As white and splendid as a flame;Yet there are times my eyes are wet For her dear sake, when high winds blow,Bearing the musks of mignonette And roses, and she cannot know.
