The Pensive Prisoner

My thoughts came drifting down the Prison where I lay —
Through the Windows of their Wings the stars were shining —
The wings bore me away — the russet Wings and grey
With feathers like the moon-bleached Flowers — I was a God reclining :
Beneath me lay my Body's Chain and all the Dragons born of Pain
As I burned through the Prison Roof to walk on Pavement Shining.
The Wild Wind of Liberty swept through my Hair and sang beyond :
I heard the Souls of men asleep chattering in the Eaves
And rode on topmost Boughs of Heaven's single-moon-fruited Silver Wand,
Night's unifying Tree whereof the central Stars be leaves —
O Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, — Fire-angel-birds relentless—
Will you not brood in God's Star-tree and leave Red Heart tormentless !