To Call the Slow-Sailing Stars By Name

When age fell upon the world

and wonder went out of minds of men

when grey cities reared to smoky skies

tall towers grim and ugly

in whose shadow none might dream

of the benighted sun

There was a man who traveled out of life

into spaces whither the world's dreams had fled

After years he began to call

the slow sailing stars by name

and to follow them in fancy

when they glided regretfully out of sight

one night a mighty gulf was bridged

the dream haunted skies swelled down

to the lonely watcher's window

to merge with the close air of his room

and to make him a part of their fabulous wonder

Noiseless infinity eddied

around the dreamer and wafted him away