The Poetry Corner

The West A Glimmering Lake Of Light

By William Ernest Henley

The West a glimmering lake of light, A dream of pearly weather, The first of stars is burning white - The star we watch together. Is April dead?The unresting year Will shape us our September, And April's work is done, my dear - Do you not remember? O gracious eve!O happy star, Still-flashing, glowing, sinking! - Who lives of lovers near or far So glad as I in thinking? The gallant world is warm and green, For May fulfils November. When lights and leaves and loves have been, Sweet, will you remember? O star benignant and serene, I take the good to-morrow, That fills from verge to verge my dream, With all its joy and sorrow! The old, sweet spell is unforgot That turns to June December; And, tho' the world remembered not, Love, we would remember. 1876