Once Upon the End of Day

by Shirley Starke

From Voices of the Trees: Songs for the Harp

O, once upon the end of day

The sunlight’s rays were red above,

And soft among the shadows green

I walked between the trees I love.

And then, because my heart was full,

I stopped a while and danced alone:

With leaves below and leaves above

I danced for love of things unknown.

And towers tall and banners bright

I saw that night, and lighted ships;

And roses red and lilies wan

Unfolded on my fingertips.

Then down I lay with arms outstretched,

Embracing earth and grass and stone:

With leaves below and leaves above

I lay for love of things unknown.

And long I lay for love until

The night grew chill and rose the breeze;

And when I rose, the gods of old

Stood still and bold among the trees.

“O, leaves and lights and flaming flowers

And sundry powers around you lie:

So shall it be forever more

If you to shores of ours will fly.”

Said I, “My birth is of the earth,

And so your mirth I share in bloom,

But far beyond my duty lies,

My paradise, my ever-doom.”

Though long I search by day and night

And grey twilight, the dream is flown:

With leaves below and leaves above

I sigh for love of things unknown.

Note: This page appears in black and white in Voices of the Trees, and includes music. The green background is only on the web page.