Mystery

Read 'Mystery' by 'George William Russell' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Mystery by George William Russell

 WHY does this sudden passion smite me?
I stretch my hands, all blind to see:
I need the lamp of the world to light me,
 Lead me and set me free.


Something a moment seemed to stoop from
The night with cool, cool breath on my face:
Or did the hair of the twilight droop from
 Its silent wandering ways?


About me in the thick wood netted
The wizard glow looks human-wise;
And over the tree-tops barred and fretted
 Ponders with strange old eyes.


The tremulous lips of air blow by me
And hymn their time-old melody:
Its secret strain comes nigh and nigh me:
 “Ah, brother, come with me;


“For here the ancient mother lingers
To dip her hands in the diamond dew,
And lave thine ache with cloud-cool fingers
 Till sorrow die from you.”

Form: Ballad Comments

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