Longest Flyer in the Night

Poemata 83

Flyer in the night, in morning leave your trail
Ice upon your wings, 
Light of the moon on your tail;
Lifted by the wind, in triumph rising high
Calling in the dark, shake the blue depth of the sky;
 Though I see you not, in indigo you ride
 Eyes yet casting light, 
 'yond shifting gray you must hide;
 I imagine you so shining in that dark
 Silver, white and gold, gossamer clouds-- leave no mark!
  Storm and rain and snow a footstool to your feet
  Longest flyer, glide-- 
  What airy beings did you meet?
  Things of light'ning made, such shadows on the moon--
  Rattling your bones, chase the bright line coming-soon;
   Streaks I see beyond the clouds untinged by sun
   Strokes of brush so fine, 
   Painted so soft then undone
   Shift your wings with grace, against the gale alight
   Turn toward your home, longest flyer in the night;
    No one flies forever, diva of the skies--
    Daring by your skin -- 
    Scorning the risk in your eyes;
    Do you taste the bitter sweetness in the air
    Do you see beyond? Is the world just smaller there?
     Soar against the sun, your wings no wax to melt
     Daedalus must speak, 
     Will his old warning be felt?
     Birds like you must dive, and go at length from sight
     Sparks your eulogy -- longest flyer in the night!