Flame and Shadow(54)

Winter Stars

    I went out at night alone； The young blood flowing beyond the sea Seemed to have drenched my spirit's wings —— I bore my sorrow heavily.

    But when I lifted up my head From shadows shaken on the snow, I saw Orion in the east Burn steadily as long ago.

    From windows in my father's house, Dreaming my dreams on winter nights, I watched Orion as a girl Above another city's lights.

    Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too, The world's heart breaks beneath its wars, All things are changed, save in the east The faithful beauty of the stars.A Boy

    Out of the noise of tired people working, Harried with thoughts of war and lists of dead, His beauty met me like a fresh wind blowing, Clean boyish beauty and high-held head.

    Eyes that told secrets, lips that would not tell them, Fearless and shy the young unwearied eyes —— Men die by millions now, because God blunders, Yet to have made this boy he must be wise.