Mars—1907

In the blue, cloudless heavenA single star,Lone torch and lamp of even,Burning afar;

Not with the radiance tenderOf other stars,But with insistent splendor,—Celestial Mars!

Above the summits hoaryOf ancient hills,It yet pours out a gloryOn lakes and rills,

As when Selene passesAcross the nightAnd her fair image glasses,Leaving its light.

Strange planet! Thou dost awe me,As by a spell;Thou dost uplift and draw meWhere thou dost dwell!

Thy mysteries to captureLet others guess;Mine—mine to feel with raptureThy beauteousness.