To a Poet

GIVE us one dream!—One swift, authentic visionOf perfect loveliness to snatch the breath:One glimpse into unchartered realms elysianWhere never cometh death!

Sing us one songWhose accent is immortal—Enduring as the asphodel, the flowerThat blooms unfading nigh to Hades' portal:Sing us one song of power!

Brief, if you will,—A word of life transforming:A word hope's wearied vision to restore:A vital word, our human heart-blood warming,And . . . you need write no more!