Homecoming

The Daemon said that he would take me homeTo the pale, shadowy land I half-recalledAs a high place of stair and terrace, walledWith marble balustrades that sky-winds comb,While miles below a maze of dome on domeAnd tower on tower beside a sea lies sprawled,Once more, he told me. I would stand enthralledOn those old heights, and hear the far-off foam.

All this he promised, and through sunset's gateHe swept me, past the lapping lakes of flame.And red-gold thrones of gods without a nameWho shriek in fear at some impending fate.Then a black gulf with sea-sounds in the night:"Here was your home," he mocked, "when you had sight!"