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1865–1914

SUNSET AND STORM

Madison Julius Cawein

Deep with divine tautology, The sunset's mighty mystery Again has traced the scroll-like west With hieroglyphs of burning gold:

Forever new, forever old, Its miracle is manifest. Time lays the scroll away. And now Above the hills a giant brow

Of cloud Night lifts; and from his arm, Barbaric black, upon the world, With thunder, wind and fire, is hurled His awful argument of storm.

What part, O man, is yours in such? Whose awe and wonder are in touch With Nature,— speaking rapture to Your soul,— yet leaving in your reach

No human word of thought or speech Commensurate with the thing you view.

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SUNSET AND STORM · Madison Julius Cawein · Poetry Cove