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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. Copyright
© Shirley Starke 1989
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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. |
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