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.
1812(?).
- --oOo-- -