The Pelican

Upon a Western prairie once I met A flock of pelicans — a glorious sight! Now in the sun they gleamed a dazzling white, Now, circling, darkened to a silhouette; Great-breasted things, with sweeping pinions set To rhythmic curves of slow, majestic flight, They rose into the measureless blue height, Undaunted, radiant — I see them yet.

I see them yet ! for when I turn my eyes Beyond these city walls of my despite, Behold their buoyant forms still sweep the skies Like spirits of the air, incarnate, bright, And something untamed in me seems to rise And with them breast those boundless seas of light!