Part 1 (1/2)

The Dark Star.

by Robert W. Chambers.

ALAK'S SONG

Where are you going, Naa?

Through the still noon-- Where are you going?

To hear the thunder of the sea And the wind blowing!-- To find a stormy moon to comfort me Across the dune!

Why are you weeping, Naa?

Through the still noon-- Why are you weeping?

Because I found no wind, no sea, No white surf leaping, Nor any flying moon to comfort me Upon the dune.

What did you see there, Naa?

In the still noon-- What did you see there?

Only the parched world drowsed in drought, And a fat bee, there, Prying and probing at a poppy's mouth That drooped a-swoon.

What did you hear there, Naa?

In the still noon-- What did you hear there?

Only a kestrel's lonely cry From the wood near there-- A rustle in the wheat as I pa.s.sed by-- A cricket's rune.

Who led you homeward, Naa?

Through the still noon-- Who led you homeward?

My soul within me sought the sea, Leading me foam-ward: But the lost moon's ghost returned with me Through the high noon.

Where is your soul then, Naa?

Lost at high noon-- Where is your soul then?

It wanders East--or West--I think-- Or near the Pole, then-- Or died--perhaps there on the dune's dry brink Seeking the moon.

THE DARK STAR

”The dying star grew dark; the last light faded from it; went out.