At Minas Basin and Other Poems — The Humming-Bird

THE HUMMING-BIRD.

Thought-sudden presence Out of blank air-- Humming of wings!

Here--a whisk and a flash!

Sipping red balm there-- And the silence sings.

Thy will works its end In freedom complete,-- Deed flashing in sheen;

Forward or backward As easeful, as fleet, As a spirit unseen.

Plumed gem all athrob, Thy ruby throat burns As from the hot kiss Of a heaven-smit soul As it panteth and yearns, In its rapture of bliss!

Thing of beauty, of life, Bright wink of a day When we'll be what we are-- Freed of this garment's hem!

O soul, get thy wings, Find the red balm for aye, (Life of earth and of star!

) Flash with love, a live gem!