| George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913. |
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| 3. By the Margin of the Great Deep |
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| WHEN the breath of twilight blows to flame the misty skies, | |
| All its vaporous sapphire, violet glow and silver gleam | |
| With their magic flood me through the gateway of the eyes; | |
| I am one with the twilight’s dream. | |
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| When the trees and skies and fields are one in dusky mood, | 5 |
| Every heart of man is rapt within the mother’s breast: | |
| Full of peace and sleep and dreams in the vasty quietude, | |
| I am one with their hearts at rest. | |
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| From our immemorial joys of hearth and home and love | |
| Strayed away along the margin of the unknown tide, | 10 |
| All its reach of soundless calm can thrill me far above | |
| Word or touch from the lips beside. | |
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| Aye, and deep and deep and deeper let me drink and draw | |
| From the olden fountain more than light or peace or dream, | |
| Such primeval being as o’erfills the heart with awe, | 15 |
| Growing one with its silent stream. | |
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