Page:The Muse in Arms, Osborn (ed), 1917.djvu/321

Rh They seize the sullen thunder,

And take it up for plunder,

And cast it down and under,

And up and back again.

They are as changeless as the rock,

As changeful as the sea;

They rest, but as a lover rests

After love's ecstasy.

They watch, as a true lover

Watches the quick lights hover

About the lids that cover

His eyes so wearily.

Heaven lies upon their breasts at night,

Heaven kisses them at dawn;

Heaven clasps and kisses them at even

With fire of the sun's death born.

They turn to his desire

Their bosom, flushing higher

With soft receptive fire,

And blushing, passion-torn.

Here, in the hills of ages

I met thee face to face;

O mother Earth, O lover Earth,

Look down on me with grace.