Untitled - UBC Library - University of British Columbia

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The pattern clearly. Then they swiftly turn,
And, always dancing, fade into the black;
Their figures in the dark like candles burn,
Like golden candles then are all blown back
To nothingness. And there, alone at last,
Is the slim leader, who now twirls once more,
And stands as though she were a statue, cast
In deep rich gold, then, fading as before,
Slips Out, and all that brilliant band has passed.
But now again the stage is swiftly filled
With dancing figures, all in silver clad.
It is like frieze-work by some artist skilled
In works exquisite, fairy-like, and glad.
And now the silver girl who leads them whirls
From out among them, pirouettes again;
And, following her, the band, all shimmering, swirls
Into a dance that shines like summer rain.
Two lines they form, as did the golden group,
And twinkle down the lines on silver toes,
And in and out between them swiftly loop,
While those within the lines, all gleaming, pose,
Until they look like frozen water-sprites,
Stilled in their loveliness until the Spring
Returns, releases, and once more delights
Their opened eyes with sight of her again.
So does the leader, as she skims the line,
Set free the dancers, and their silver chain
Dissolves itself, not now a glistening vine,
But silver ripples, as they whirl in glee,
Are formed—and then, just as the joyous dance
Is loveliest, they vanish magically
Into the darkness, with a backward glance
Of wistful gaiety, all silvery-sad.
The leader poises, and white fingers flirts,
Then fades, her final mood a gesture glad,
A ruffled whirl of shining silver skirts.
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RETROSPECT
7 OU vague impressions of my spirit’s course,
—F.L.
.“- I blush to tread your tortured paths again;
Old rhymes of mine, 0 you that once gave pain
To ease a greater anguish, my remorse
Burns not for what I felt, but what you are:
So foul a picture of brave things now far.
—D.H.B.
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