Lucky Dip Number 4
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Lines from 'The Circle'
Now life settles to a round, With new sense of purpose found, Till ambition's luring call Draws, like water to a fall From a pool in rocky deep, Dreamer lately waked from sleep. So the water through a gorge Past steep rocks its way will forge, With the beckoning distant moan Cataract of thunder grown. And the water boiling on, Carves its way and then is gone Towards the torrent crashing down, Kaleidoscope of sight and sound*. Then the river onwards flows Ever slackening as it goes, Till in stagnant pool as lain Turns to wonder what is gain. Then comes peace, like solitude Full of meaning, when one would Smooth each memory free from care. Little self! 'Tis so when prayer Brings an unknown deep content, Or when arm to comfort bent Brings a healing and a balm. And the tumult willed to calm Is as river spread to sea, And a strange eternity. Now comes death; be quiet, brave; Now the darkness of the grave; Now the dust upon the ground. See the circle, full and round; First and last together meet And the circle is complete. * perhaps presaging the 'unfathomed within' of 'In Evening Light' |
1971
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