To call the slow-sailing stars by name

When age fell upon the world
and wonder went out of minds of men
when grey cities reared to smoky skies
tall towers grim and ugly
in whose shadow none might dream
of the benighted sun

There was a man who traveled out of life
into spaces whither the world's dreams had fled

After years he began to call
the slow sailing stars by name
and to follow them in fancy
when they glided regretfully out of sight

one night a mighty gulf was bridged
the dream haunted skies swelled down
to the lonely watcher's window
to merge with the close air of his room
and to make him a part of their fabulous wonder

Noiseless infinity eddied
around the dreamer and wafted him away