14. Winter

George William Russell

A DIAMOND glow of winter o’er the world:
Amid the chilly halo nigh the west
Flickers a phantom violet bloom unfurled
Dim on the twilight’s breast.


Only phantasmal blooms but for an hour,
A transient beauty; then the white stars shine
Chilling the heart: I long for thee to flower,
O bud of light divine.


But never visible to sense or thought
The flower of Beauty blooms afar withdrawn;
If in our being then we know it not,
Or, knowing, it is gone.

Next 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 140. The Feast Of Age
• George William Russell : 141. Glory And Shadow
• George William Russell : 142. The Robing Of The King
• George William Russell : 143. A Call Of The Sidhe
• George William Russell : 144. On A Hillside
• George William Russell : 145. A Return
• George William Russell : 146. The Child Of Destiny
• George William Russell : 147. Magic
• George William Russell : 148. Breaghy
• George William Russell : 149. A Farewell

Previous 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 139. The Fountain Of Shadowy Beauty
• George William Russell : 138. A New Theme
• George William Russell : 137. The Well Of All-healing
• George William Russell : 136. Recollection
• George William Russell : 135. Our Thrones Decay
• George William Russell : 134. The Hour Of Twilight
• George William Russell : 133. The Voice Of The Sea
• George William Russell : 132. A Farewell
• George William Russell : 131. Ordeal
• George William Russell : 130. A Last Counsel