Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/Upon the Heights

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4657123Pebbles and Shells — Upon the HeightsClarence Hawkes

UPON THE HEIGHTS
I stood at evening on the solemn heights,
Upon the spot where earth and heaven meet,
I saw the broad earth lying at my feet,
Her bosom set with myriad twinkling lights,
I heard a church bell tolling sacred rites,
And faint and far a nightbird's plaintive call,
I felt the love that broodeth over all
And winged my soul to new and higher flights.

It was not night, mine eyes were growing dim,
I stood upon the hoary heights of years,
Above the plain of youthful joys and fears
And saw e'en to life's dark horizon rim;
I things were plain, the darkest clouds were riven,
And hosts of stars illumined the gates of heaven.