The Decree

Last night I saw the warm white Southern moon
Sail upward through a smoky amber sea;
Orion stood in silver majesty
Where the gold-girdled sun takes rest at noon.

I slept; I dreamed. Against a sunset sky
I saw thee stand all garmented in white;
With hand stretched to me, and there in thy sight
I went to meet thee; but I heard thee cry:

“We stand apart as sun from shining sun;
Thou hast thy place; there rolleth far and near
A sea between; until life’s all be done

Thou canst not come, nor I go to thee, dear.”
Methought I bowed my head to thy decree,
And donned the mantle of my misery.