Poems By Arjava

Le Flambeau Vivant

(From Baudelaire)

THEY cleave their way before me, Eyes of unearthly gleaming

Some adept among Angels did erstwhile magnetise ;

They cleave their way, these godlike brothers I am deeming

My own brothers—diamonds of light beckoning my eyes.

My pledge against grave sinning and all the hidden snares,

They lead my footsteps in the path of Beauty's height ;

They are to me as servants ; I am a slave of theirs :

My whole self bears obedience to that torch's living light.

Charm-weaving eyes who shine in lambent mystery.

As sentinel candles in the clinquant glare of day,

Bowed red by the sun, quench not their spired fantasy ;

They are celebrants of Death, you chant the awakening Ray ;

You sing my awakening soul and the in-world splendours kindling,

Star-flames no sun has scope or means or ways of dwindling !

March 27, 1934.