taper boast

Do not ask me

my sweet my star

where I have gone

where I have been

I have been among the mountains

and between the doors

beyond the thousand locks

and over the hundred walls.

The clouds have been grey.

The sky has been blue.

The sun rose and set--

I did not forget you.

I have walked among the dreams

of many men who dream beyond me.

I have sought the stars

many miles below the sea.

I found peace and began war

Woke and returned to sleep.

There were a hundred doors

and a thousand keys...

I have worn through six iron shoes

twelve horses and eighteen hankerchiefs

and in my sleep I could not sleep.

Do not doubt my seemed conceit.

I am he of whom the mermaids sing

and the willows whisper in their grief

of my long leaving and finished deeds.

Did you whisper too?

to sea and sand and rock?

Do not tell them--

they love to mock

all that was with what could be

and what was not with faded proof.

Keep your heart well silent

burn the darker torch

by your window watch

but do not be seen

and when I am of the dreams made king

you shall at last be made a queen.

but haste and away

this is at last the break of day.

Do not ask where I am going

I am already gone.