The New Goddess
By George Sterling
Time was, indeed, O first of all things fair!
When Nature stood in. queenship of my breast:
Full-tenderly she led the winds to rest,
And flowers and dews were witness of her care;
I seemed to hear her whispers everywhere;
The very heavens were lit at her behest,
As tho' with lifted wings upon the West
A seraph clove the crimson-flooded air.
But now the mighty sunsets flare in vain,
And winds allegiant strew the mournful rain;
Because of thee my heart is hungered fire.
Alas! I wander at the land's extreme,
Lost in irresolutions of desire
And torn by hopes that gods might dread to dream!
Carmel.