Rose Leaf and Apple Leaf — From the Hill of Gardens

ROSE LEAF AND APPLE LEAF

FROM THE HILL OF GARDENS

The outline of a shadowy city spread Between the garden and the distant hill-- And o'er yon dome the flame-ring lingers still, Set like the glory on an angel's head: The light fades quivering into evening blue Behind the pine-tops on Ianiculum;

The swallow whispered to the swallow "come!"

And took the sunset on her wings, and flew.

One rift of cloud the wind caught up suspending A ruby path between the earth and sky;

Those shreds of gold are angel wings ascending From where the sorrows of our singers lie;

They have not found those wandering spirits yet, But seek for ever in the red sunset.

Pass upward angel wings!

Seek not for these, They sit not in the cypress-planted graves;

Their spirits wander over moonlit waves, And sing in all the singing of the seas;

And by green places in the spring-tide showers, And in the re-awakening of flowers.

Some pearl-lipped shell still dewy with sea foam Bear back to whisper where their feet have trod;

They are the earth's for evermore; fly home!

And lay a daisy at the feet of God.