54. Dawn Song

George William Russell

WHILE the earth is dark and grey
How I laugh within. I know
In my breast what ardours gay
From the morning overflow.


Though the cheek be white and wet
In my heart no fear may fall:
There my chieftain leads and yet
Ancient battle trumpets call.


Bend on me no hasty frown
If my spirit slight your cares:
Sunlike still my joy looks down
Changing tears to beamy airs.


Think me not of fickle heart
If with joy my bosom swells
Though your ways from mine depart,
In the true are no farewells.


What I love in you I find
Everywhere. A friend I greet
In each flower and tree and wind—
Oh, but life is sweet, is sweet!


What to you are bolts and bars
Are to me the arms that guide
To the freedom of the stars,
Where my golden kinsmen bide.


From my mountain top I view:
Twilight’s purple flower is gone,
And I send my song to you
On the level light of dawn.

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