A pale enchanted moon is sinking low Behind the dunes that fringe the shadowy lea, And there is haunted starlight on the flow Of immemorial sea. I am alone and need no more pretend Laughter or smile to hide a hungry heart; I walk with solitude as with a friend Enfolded and apart. We tread an eerie road across the moor Where shadows weave upon their ghostly looms, And winds sing an old lyric that might lure Sad queens from ancient tombs. I am a sister to the loveliness Of cool far hill and long-remembered shore, Finding in it a sweet forgetfulness Of all that hurt before. The world of day, its bitterness and cark, No longer have the power to make me weep; I welcome this communion of the dark As toilers welcome sleep.
Composition date is unknown - the above date represents the first publication date.
The lyrical form of this poem is abab.17. cark: anxiety.
