Slip back, Time!
Yet again I am nearing Castle and keep, uprearing Gray, as in my prime.
At the inn Smiling close, why is it Not as on my visit When hope and I were twin?
Groom and jade Whom I found here, moulder;
Strange the tavern-holder, Strange the tap-maid.
Here I hired Horse and man for bearing Me on my wayfaring To the door desired.
Evening gloomed As I journeyed forward To the faces shoreward, Till their dwelling loomed.
If again Towards the Atlantic sea there I should speed, they'd be there Surely now as then? . . .
Why waste thought, When I know them vanished Under earth; yea, banished Ever into nought.
POEMS OF 1912-13
Veteris vestigia flammae