Part 4 (1/2)

'Be not attached.' So runs the great command For those who seek to 'know' and 'understand.'

Who sounds the waters of the deeper sea Must first draw up his anchor and go free.

But not for me, that knowledge. I must wait Until again I enter through life's gate.

I am not brave enough to sail away To farther seas, and leave this beauteous bay.

Love barnacled, my anchor lies; and oh!

I would not lift it if I could, and go All unattached, to find those truths which lie Far out at sea, beneath a lonely sky.

Though peace of heart, and happiness of soul, Await the seeker at that farther goal, With love and all its rapture and its pain, Close to the sh.o.r.es of earth I must remain.

Nor yet would I relinquish my sweet dream To gain possession of the Fact supreme.

I am attached, and well content to stay, Learning such truths as love may send my way.

AN EPISODE

Along the narrow Moorish street A blue-eyed soldier strode.

(Ah, well-a-day) Veiled from her lashes to her feet She stepped from her abode, (Ah, lack-a-day).

Now love may guard a favoured wife Who leaves the harem door; (Ah, well-a-day) But hungry hearted is her life When she is one of four.

(Ah, lack-a-day.)

If black eyes glow with sudden fire And meet warm eyes of blue - (Ah, well-a-day).

The old, old story of desire Repeats itself anew.

(Ah, lack-a-day.)

When bugles blow the soldier flies - Though bitter tears may fall (Ah, lack-a-day).

A MOORISH CHILD WITH BLUE, BLUE EYES PLAYS IN THE HAREM HALL.

(Ah, well-a-day.)

THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS

I am the voice of the voiceless; Through me the dumb shall speak; Till the deaf world's ear be made to hear The cry of the wordless weak.

From street, from cage, and from kennel, From jungle and stall, the wail Of my tortured kin proclaims the sin Of the mighty against the frail.

I am a ray from the centre; And I will feed G.o.d's spark, Till a great light glows in the night and shows The dark deeds done in the dark.

And full on the thoughtless sleeper Shall flash its glaring flame, Till he wakens to see what crimes may be Cloaked under an honoured name.

The same Force formed the sparrow That fas.h.i.+oned man, the king; The G.o.d of the Whole gave a spark of soul To furred and to feathered thing.

And I am my brother's keeper, And I will fight his fight, And speak the word for beast and bird, Till the world shall set things right.