Peaked in an immortal flame The mortal moth-like lovers burn. The love that sets their limbs alight (Searing the snow of breast and thigh) Can have no history but to die, Yet cannot change. Across the night Radiance of falling stars is borne: Impermanent. These are the same Who burn in the contradictions of The strict and sensual laws of love. Passing a point of no return, An age consumed in instant flame, The lovers cannot save themselves. Bound in a swift triumphant arc, Like falling stars, they light the dark And loveless world. From private hells All common daily good is torn, Without history or name Almost: though brilliance in the air Lingers when a star was there. Used with the permission of Copper Canyon Press, P.O. Box 271, Port Townsend, WA 98368-0271, www.cc.press.org | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AMOUR by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON GIRL IN A CAGE by CARL SANDBURG IN THE MOONLIGHT by THOMAS HARDY STRANGE MEETINGS: 10 by HAROLD MONRO TO MY FIRST LOVE, MY MOTHER by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI AT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY by HENRY TIMROD UNDERSTANDING by NIXON WATERMAN |