Part 21 (1/2)

Convention. [Agnes Lee]

The snow is lying very deep.

My house is sheltered from the blast.

I hear each m.u.f.fled step outside, I hear each voice go past.

But I'll not venture in the drift Out of this bright security, Till enough footsteps come and go To make a path for me.

Mad Blake. [William Rose Benet]

Blake saw a treeful of angels at Peckham Rye, And his hands could lay hold on the tiger's terrible heart.

Blake knew how deep is h.e.l.l, and Heaven how high, And could build the universe from one tiny part.

Blake heard the asides of G.o.d, as with furrowed brow He sifts the star-streams between the Then and the Now, In vast infant sagacity brooding, an infant's grace s.h.i.+ning serene on his simple, benignant face.

Blake was mad, they say, -- and s.p.a.ce's Pandora-box Loosed its wonders upon him -- devils, but angels indeed.

I, they say, am sane, but no key of mine unlocks One lock of one gate wherethrough Heaven's glory is freed.

And I stand and I hold my breath, daylong, yearlong, Out of comfort and easy dreaming evermore starting awake, -- Yearning beyond all sanity for some echo of that Song Of Songs that was sung to the soul of the madman, Blake!

The Name. [Anna Hempstead Branch]

When I come back from secret dreams In gardens deep and fair, How very curious it seems -- This mortal name I bear.

For by this name I make their bread And trim the household light And sun the linen for the bed And close the door at night.

I wonder who myself may be, And whence it was I came -- Before the Church had laid on me This frail and earthly name.

My sponsors spake unto the Lord And three things promised they, Upon my soul with one accord Their easy vows did lay.

My ancient spirit heard them not.

I think it was not there.

But in a place they had forgot It drank a starrier air.

Yes, in a silent place and deep -- There did it dance and run, And sometimes it lay down to sleep Or sprang into the sun.

The Priest saw not my aureole s.h.i.+ne!

My sweet wings saw not he!

He graved me with a solemn sign And laid a name on me.

Now by this name I st.i.tch and mend, The daughter of my home, By this name do I save and spend And when they call, I come.