| George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913. |
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| 167. The Everlasting Battle |
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| WHEN in my shadowy hours I pierce the hidden heart of hopes and fears, | |
| They change into immortal joys or end in immemorial tears. | |
| Moytura’s battle still endures and in this human heart of mine | |
| The golden sun powers with the might of demon darkness intertwine. | |
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| I think that every teardrop shed still flows from Balor’s eye of doom, | 5 |
| And gazing on his ageless grief my heart is filled with ageless gloom: | |
| I close my ever-weary eyes and in my bitter spirit brood | |
| And am at one in vast despair with all the demon multitude. | |
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| But in the lightning flash of hope I feel the sungod’s fiery sling | |
| Has smote the horror in the heart where clouds of demon glooms take wing, | 10 |
| I shake my heavy fears aside and seize the flaming sword of will, | |
| I am of Dana’s race divine and know I am immortal still. | |
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