Eyes of Ligeia

To Call the Slow-Sailing Stars By Name

Eyes of Ligeia


When age fell upon the world 
and wonder went out of minds of men 
when grey cities reared to smoky skies 
tall towers grim and ugly 
in whose shadow none might dream 
of the benighted sun 

There was a man who traveled out of life 
into spaces whither the world's dreams had fled 

After years he began to call 
the slow sailing stars by name 
and to follow them in fancy 
when they glided regretfully out of sight 

one night a mighty gulf was bridged 
the dream haunted skies swelled down 
to the lonely watcher's window 
to merge with the close air of his room 
and to make him a part of their fabulous wonder 

Noiseless infinity eddied 
around the dreamer and wafted him away