Poems (Hoffman)/Summer Clouds
SUMMER CLOUDS.
1884.
1884.
I watched the clouds at evening
When the Summer day neared its close,
As above the sentinel mountain peaks
Their pinnacled temples rose.
When the Summer day neared its close,
As above the sentinel mountain peaks
Their pinnacled temples rose.
Mistily blending together
The faint, fleecy curtains unfold;
In the sky's magic mirror revealing,
Linings of silver and gold.
The faint, fleecy curtains unfold;
In the sky's magic mirror revealing,
Linings of silver and gold.
And here and there in the fluffy foam,
A twinkling star shines through;
Mingling a golden radiance
With the filmy tints of blue.
A twinkling star shines through;
Mingling a golden radiance
With the filmy tints of blue.
'Till they seem like the pearly gateway,
With the city towers just beyond;
O'er whose walls of glittering jasper
Eternal day has dawned.
With the city towers just beyond;
O'er whose walls of glittering jasper
Eternal day has dawned.
Oh! I almost catch the melody
That the angels sing in Heaven;
As I watch the faint, fair Summer clouds,
O'er the sky's blue curtain driven.
That the angels sing in Heaven;
As I watch the faint, fair Summer clouds,
O'er the sky's blue curtain driven.
And my soul mounts up on eagle's wings,
To explore the realms unknown,
While life and death in a new, strange light,
Seem but a part to the throne.
To explore the realms unknown,
While life and death in a new, strange light,
Seem but a part to the throne.
When I think of the joy awaiting,
Beyond the bier and the shroud,
Death seems but a transient shadow,
A passing Summer cloud.
Beyond the bier and the shroud,
Death seems but a transient shadow,
A passing Summer cloud.