Ebony and Crystal/The Nereid
THE NEREID
Her face the sinking stars desire.Unto her place the slow deeps bringShadow of errant winds that wingO'er sterile gulfs of foam and fire.
Her beauty is the light of pearls.All stars and dreams and sunsets dieTo make the fluctuant glooms that lieAround her, and low noonlight swirls
Down ocean's firmamental deep,To weave for her who glimmers there,Elusive visions, vague and fair;And night is as a dreamless sleep:
She has not known the night's unrest,Nor the white curse of clearer day;The tremors of the tempest playLike slow delight about her breast.
Serene, an immanence of fire,She dwells forever, ocean-thralled,Soul of the sea's vast emerald;Her face the sinking stars desire.