Destroyers and Other Verses/No Longer, When the Cold and Sterile Moon

No longer, when the cold and sterile moon

Paces her virgin watch across the sky,

Calling the hours of life’s long afternoon,

Must I from out of deep in answer cry.

With rhythmic tides she swept the fore-shoreland,

Whereon I often set my heart’s desire,

Leaving a barren strip of watery sand,

A mirror for the moon’s chaste silver fire.

For I have built a barrier ‘gainst the sea:

No more the moon-swept tide my fruit devours;

The seed is set, and in security,

I watch the silent passage of life’s hours.

May the sea-wall till harvest time abide,

Steadfast against the ever restless tide.