Classic Poem

Flitting and hovering in wanton flight
Above a waterfall of foam and spray,
The wind put forth a hand and filched away
A misty multitude of forms in white,
All bowing as repentant sinners might
Confronted with the Resurrection-day—
Only one moment were they given to pray,
Then dissipated to the Infinite.

And so, from out the foam of falling years,
The phantom of an olden memory
Is gathered by a wind, and reappears,
And floats with folded hands in prayer for me—
To vanish in a sudden rain of tears
Down the dark distance of Eternity.