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1858–1935

THE GLIMPSE

William Watson

Just for a day you crossed my life's dull track, Put my ignobler dreams to sudden shame, Went your bright way, and left me to fall back On my own world of poorer deed and aim;

To fall back on my meaner world, and feel Like one who, dwelling‘ mid some, smoke-dimmed town,— In a brief pause of labour's sullen wheel,— ‘ Scaped from the street's dead dust and factory's frown,—

In stainless daylight saw the pure seas roll, Saw mountains pillaring the perfect sky: Then journeyed home, to carry in his soul The torment of the difference till he die.

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THE GLIMPSE · William Watson · Poetry Cove