Splendid and Terrible

Seumas O'Sullivan

Splendid and terrible your love.
The searing pinions of its flight
Flamed but a moment's space above
The place where ancient memories keep
Their quiet ; and the dreaming deep
Moved inly with a troubled light,
And that old passion woke and stirred
Out of its sleep.
I hold it to me like a flame;
I hold it like a flame above
The empty anguish of my breast.
There let it stay, there let it rest-
Deep in the heart whereto it came
Of old as some wind-wearied bird
Drops to its nest.