Poems (Greenwell)/Meeting
MEETING.
Oh, how elate my look,—Far down the thronged and lighted table sent Upon a careless quest indifferent,— Met thine in mirthful flashing! Then we took Our leave together, and, like boys released By the glad stroke of Noonday, from the feast Went home beneath the star-light. Oh, that night, How shall I e'er forget it! At a bound My spirit rose, a river that had found Its level on a sudden; forth in chase Quick vagrant fancies rushed as in a race, Unemulous and glad; while at the light Of those wild torch-fires solemn thoughts and deep Enkindled clear, as on a northern sky,Through Borealis gleams that flash and leap, The stars look down. What was that hour to me! What is it now! My soul hath been more free, More noble, since that meeting; to the laws Of this strange country for awhile in pause Content to hold my breath; with step more bold Because my wings have grown, I walk these old Accustomed pathways. Accustomed pathways.Earnest Friend, thy youth Of soul makes all things fresher; in thy truth Grows all more true, more real; come and hold Thy mirror to my soul, that I may be The more myself for having been with thee!