The Night

This is the night
And no stars shine
Do I need their light
When my love is mine?

The rain falls
But I care nought.
My heart to me calls:
We have found what we sought.

We have found a gate
That opens out
From the tower of Fate
And the walls of Doubt.

Mine eyes shine,
And my heart stirs,
For my love is mine,
And I am hers.

And I walk on light
And drunken feet,
So fair is the night,
The air so sweet.

O Sun, down under
The sea's deep ways,
For this great wonder
I give thee praise.

J.D.C. Pellow

The Temple

Between the erect and solemn trees
I will go down upon my knees;
I shall not find this day
So meet a place to pray.

Haply the beauty of this place
May work in me an answering grace,
The stillness of the air
Be echoed in my prayer.

The worshipping trees arise and run,
With never a swerve, towards the sun;
So may my soul's desire
Turn to its central fire.

With single aim they seek the light,
And scarce a twig in all their height
Breaks out until the head
In glory is outspread.

How strong each pillared trunk; the bark
That covers them, how smooth; and hark,
The sweet and gentle voice
With which the leaves rejoice!

May a like strength and sweetness fill
Desire, and thought, and steadfast will,
When I remember these
Fair sacremental trees!

J.D.C. Pellow