| George William (“A. E.”) Russell (1867–1935). Collected Poems by A.E. 1913. |
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| 37. Mystery |
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| WHY does this sudden passion smite me? | |
| I stretch my hands, all blind to see: | |
| I need the lamp of the world to light me, | |
| Lead me and set me free. | |
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| Something a moment seemed to stoop from | 5 |
| The night with cool, cool breath on my face: | |
| Or did the hair of the twilight droop from | |
| Its silent wandering ways? | |
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| About me in the thick wood netted | |
| The wizard glow looks human-wise; | 10 |
| And over the tree-tops barred and fretted | |
| Ponders with strange old eyes. | |
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| The tremulous lips of air blow by me | |
| And hymn their time-old melody: | |
| Its secret strain comes nigh and nigh me: | 15 |
| “Ah, brother, come with me; | |
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| “For here the ancient mother lingers | |
| To dip her hands in the diamond dew, | |
| And lave thine ache with cloud-cool fingers | |
| Till sorrow die from you.” | 20 |
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