Classic Poem

I saw the day lean o'er the world's sharp edge

And peer into night's chasm, dark and damp;

High in his hand he held a blazing lamp,

Then dropped it and plunged headlong down the ledge.

With lurid splendor that swift paled to gray,

I saw the dim skies suddenly flush bright.

'Twas but the expiring glory of the light

Flung from the hand of the adventurous day.