Ambergris

12 AMBERGRIS And the sun is sharp to slay ; Where the ivory dome above Glimmers like the dawn of love On the weary way ; Where the ibex chant and call Over tempest’s funeral ; Where the horn’d beast is shrill, And the eagle hath its will, And the shadows fall Sharp and black, till day is passed Over to the ocean vast ; Where the barren rocks resound Only to the rending roar Of the shattering streams that pour Rocks by ice eternal bound, Myriad cascades that crowned Once the far resounding throne Of the mountain spirits strong, All the treacherous souls that throng Desolate abodes of stone, Barren of all comely things, Given to the splendid kings, Gloomy state, and glamour dark, Swooping jewel-feathered wings, Eyes translucent with a spark Of the world of fire, that swings Gates of adamant below Lofty minarets of snow. Thence the towering flames arise, Where the flashes white and wise Find their mortal foe. Let us thither, caring not Anything, or any more, Since the sorrow of our lot Craves to pass the abysmal door. Never more for us shall twine Rosy fingers on the vine. Never maiden lips shall cull Myriad blossoms beautiful.