High on a rock, coeval with the skies, A Temple stands, reared by immortal powers To Chastity divine! ambrosial flowers Twining round icicles, in columns rise, Mingling with pendent gems of orient dyes! Piercing the air, a golden crescent towers, Veiled by transparent clouds; while smiling hours Shake from their varying wings -- celestial joys! The steps of spotless marble, scattered o'er With deathless roses armed with many a thorn, Lead to the altar. On the frozen floor, Studded with tear-drops petrified by scorn, Pale vestals kneel the Goddess to adore, While Love, his arrows broke, retires forlorn. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE INFLATION OF THE CURRENCY, 1919 by ROBERT FROST ON BRODSKY'S COLLECTED by MICHAEL S. HARPER JOY (2) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON STUDY FOR A GEOGRAPHICAL TRAIL; 1. SEATTLE by CLARENCE MAJOR SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: REV. LEMUEL WILEY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |