In Dreams

In dreams  I sailed my ship across the sea into the west,
And through the Straight of Chokmah where the seabirds never rest,
And thence unto an unknown land where hanging orchids bloom,
Where diamonds glimmer in the sand, and night-eyes in the gloom.
Then darkness settled warm and soft, and gently held my head,
While stars like whispered tales gathered round and fancies bred.

In dreams a great white owl rose, my soul within its grasp,
And soared above all earthly sorrows, heedless of my past,
Then down it stooped through rushing wind, then climbed again in flight,
And all the while its wings were hallowed with a silver light.
But then at last the sun returned and set the sky ablaze,
And drove him from his airy loft, no more to heavens praise.

And now in dreams the sky is brass, and all is ash and stone,
This desert land enchanted where the griefs of men are sown.
A few white feathers and sun bleached bones are all that now remain
Of that which lifted me on high, unburdened hopes in vain.
And never again I’ll sail my ship across the distant sea,
And bourn aloft on silvered wings I nevermore shall be.