Time, Real and Imaginary

An allegory

• On the wide level of a mountain's head
• (I knew not where, but 'twas some faery place),
• Their pinions, ostrich-like, for sails outspread,
• Two lovely children run an endless race,
• A sister and a brother
• This far outstripp'd the other;
• Yet ever runs she with reverted face,
• And looks and listens for the boy behind:
• For he, alas! is blind!
• O'er rough and smooth with even step he pass'd,
• And knows not whether he be first or last.