by Mike Monroe
if there is nothing new but that which is
and has been before how are our brains beguiled
the world was all before them
beings breathing thoughtful breaths
travelers between life and death
and providence was their guide
the shadow of the dome of pleasure
an image shown in an antique book
floated midway on the waves
haze hidden and thereon a phantom king
even a god who chanced to see that site
would feel the force of wonder and delight
an image shown in an antique book
if there is nothing new but that which is
and has been before how are our brains beguiled
the world was all before them
beings breathing thoughtful breaths
along the vale of death
6.
a damsel with a dulcimer
in a vision once I saw
with such a tender voice
making all the vales rejoice
daughter of zeus my starting point
is any point you choose
sing heavenly muse that on the secret top
of Oreb or of Sinai inspired
that shepherd who first taught the chosen seed
sing heavenly muse
a damsel with a dulcimer
who can express a flowery tale
more sweetly than our rhyme
remind us what was the root-cause
sing heavenly muse
making all the vales rejoice
if my slight muse
does please these curious days
the pain be mine
but thine shall be the praise
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