Wild Knight and Other Poems — The Human Tree

THE HUMAN TREE

Many have Earth's lovers been, Tried in seas and wars, I ween;

Yet the mightiest have I seen: Yea, the best saw I. One that in a field alone Stood up stiller than a stone Lest a moth should fly.

Birds had nested in his hair, On his shoon were mosses rare.

Insect empires flourished there, Worms in ancient wars;

But his eyes burn like a glass, Hearing a great sea of grass Roar towards the stars.

From, them to the human tree Rose a cry continually, 'Thou art still, our Father, we Fain would have thee nod.

Make the skies as blood below thee, Though thou slay us, we shall know thee.

Answer us, O God!

'Show thine ancient flame and thunder, Split the stillness once asunder, Lest we whisper, lest we wonder Art thou there at all?'

But I saw him there alone, Standing stiller than a stone Lest a moth should fall.