Wistful Eyes

Quoth he , "ope thou thy wistful eyes! I bring thee shadows numberless" I tried and tried but couldn't ope Those words but echoed nonetheless My Lord! " quoth me , whole life I sought What time to me this wealth thou brought? I left this world with aching heart What moment thou thy bliss hath brought?" In deserts wide and wild I walked My withering flowers I lost all there In floating leaves in Autumn hues In lonely ships far off somewhere I pined for soothing cuckoo s voice I longed for some oasis there! I searched for watery lakes in vain! I searched and searched but found nowhere In shady haunts with souls I talked I find no place to rest for, there On Sandy shores I burnt all ships All sailors cried beware beware; Will no one come to this island Will no one build a beacon here Oh snowy castles on the shores I stood for centuries numberless I knocked with gazes at the doors I left the world in this distress My shadow to thee I prithee Nor leave me in this pitchy dark While Autumn boats in brooks do sail While sailors from the shores do hark Will no one come to meet me there? Some cuckoo, nightingale or lark In dark of moonless lonely nights I write a letter on the bark To those who live in wilderness From fathom deeps they cannot talk The music of my flute of life Hath mingled with the dusky hue I sang a song from oceans depth With watery waves which came to you