Somehow the spirit of that day—

Rain-clouded streets and brooding air—

Determined me to live and dare,

Living, to laugh the world away.

As in a crystal dreamers see

Out of unwinding mists arise

The splendors of some paradise

Woven of gold and ivory;

Deep in the globe of thought I saw

Dawn from tempestuous dust that form

Toward which the endless ages storm

Uproarious—to break with awe.

Of all things ignorant, yet wise,

Sitting enthroned at life's last goal,

Dividing body from the soul,

Looking at each with flameless eyes.

Immutable, unknown, unsung,

Through triumph and delight unearned,

Through sorrow undeserved, I learned

Salvation from thy wordless tongue.

Then flying the embracing gloom

Of burnt-out days and parched desire,

I built my soul an altar fire

Of laughter in the face of doom.