The Deluge and Other Poems Part 2

THE MOTHER

Look where he comes.

THE WIFE

With what an air fulfilled.

_Enter the_ SEEKER AFTER TRUTH, _inspired_

THE SEEKER

Now do I stand upon the very brink Of my desire; as a soul released And purified by pa.s.sing through the rays Of white Eternity, I view the world.

Now am I all at peace; the heart that yearns In bitter loneliness through midnight hours Yet cannot voice its longing, brain that weaves Its subtle web around the central thought Yet never can absorb it; and this form, The visible pride of body, all complete Are one in union; the body knows Its uses and its worths and has no fear, The heart no more is empty, I have found Eternal love to fill it, and no more Gropes the blind brain for the Great Definite.

Away from me, my people, lest the sight Of loving faces blunt the senses keen, Hovering on the pain of a new birth.

THE MOTHER

My son, my son, it is not well to tempt The thunders of Jehovah; He who placed Man on this earth, and gave him such a form And such a nature never did intend The form or nature to be changed.

THE SEEKER

Enough, Is it not parcel of the n.o.bleness Of His conception thus to place us here Low in the scale; that we, by effort's worth, May reach to Him and equal Him at last?

THE MOTHER

Oh man was born for failure, not success, To strive and strive, and evermore to fail, And failing still strive ever; therein lies The n.o.bleness that equals him to G.o.d Though linked to insufficient means for G.o.d.

Why will you hope to change appointed fate?

While still in man the sad twi-nature dwells, G.o.dhead and manhood, still as dark and light The eternal war goes on. It is our lot, Accept it, spare us last catastrophe.

THE WIFE

Alas! alas! you see he marks you not, His eyes are fixed on distance, and his lips Move to the cadence of a song or prayer, I know not which; and ever and anon, His forehead, vivid with the teeming brain, Rests in his hollow hand. He marks you not; No more than raindrops plas.h.i.+ng on a roof, Whereto perhaps one listens for a s.p.a.ce And says "It raineth"--then again to sleep.

THE MOTHER

Speak you to him, if he may hear his wife!

THE WIFE

Ah me, my lord, what is it I can say That will excuse the saying? Words are few When hearts are fullest. On my wedding night-- Do you remember?--you did take my hand, (As I take yours now) lay your lips on it, (See, here I lay my lips) and all the love Your heart would fain express and tongue could not I read in eyes and kisses, being well skilled In love's translation.

THE SEEKER

Who is this that speaks?

Your words come through my musing, like the call Of quails across the desert, troubling me With a strange stirring of the peaceful heart.

THE WIFE

It was my soul and not my words that called.

THE SEEKER

My hand is wet with tears.

THE WIFE

They are my prayers.

THE SEEKER

Why do you weep when all the world should be Poised on the outspread wings of happiness?

Ah! just a little moment loose your hold, While strips my soul for last and fiercest struggle That gives us victory.

THE WIFE

Nay cease, ah cease.

Why must you venture to the wrath of G.o.d For a mere idle fancy? Is not love, My love, and youth and joy enough for you?

Roses are beautiful to bind one's brow, Why must one grasp at stars? Ah, if my tears, Barren as dew that falls upon the sand, Cannot incline you to forgetfulness Of all save love, you are inexorable, You love me not.

THE SEEKER

I make an end of tears.

THE WIFE

Nay, rather tears enough to drown the world

THE MOTHER

Again, he lapses in his trance.