Poems By Arjava

THE ancient writings found a picture holds

Transmuting power and frees forth out of clay

Some finer Flame that, earth returning, moulds

The gross desires and conquers them for Day.

Thus doth cleansed air and loveliness of Light

Surround the shape imagination sets

In the shrined syllables of puissant Sight,—

A shape that high desire decrees, begets ;

And fair foretelling of your strength to be,

And gracious lines that write of boyhood's name

With your repose and energy of will :

Naked and free from flaw, a steady flame, —

O unpolluted feet, stronger than ill, —

Bright hands that bring our immortality.