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At Joppa, A Couple Of Months Ago
Two months ago, I think, the very day
the Jews enjoyed their Sabbath: the bright dawn
did not imply the weather held in store
not too much later. Just about high noon
darkness possessed the sky; nothing was clear.
Came with it an encroaching chill of fear
although the air, itself, was balmly warm.
Nor was this simply misdirected night:
no moon nor stars rose to provide some light.
The harbor was dead calm. No gust or storm
approached. Dread seized our souls with awful powers,
and lasted (I recall!) the whole three hours.
Then afternoon returned. Entirely gone
the darkness was (and, I say, none too soon).
But two days later . . . what a shine and sheen
rose, all the morning, through the sky. I mean---
the most beautiful daylight I have seen.
Starward
[jlc]
