On a Hill-top

Portrait of George William Russell
George William Russell 1867–1935
41Collected Poems by A.E.

BEARDED with dewy grass the mountains thrust Their blackness high into the still grey light, Deepening to blue: far up the glimmering height In silver transience shines the starry dust.

Silent the sheep about me; fleece by fleece They sleep and stir not: I with awe around Wander uncertain o’er the giant mound, A fire that moves between their peace and peace.

The city myriads dream or sleep below; Aloft another day has but begun: Under the radiance of the Midnight Sun The Tree of Life put forth its leaves to grow.

Wiser than they below who dream or sleep? I know not; but their day is dream to me, And in their darkness I awake to see A Thought that moves like light within the deep.

Only from dream to dream our spirits pass: Well, let us rise and fly from sphere to sphere; Some one of all unto the light more near Mirrors the Dreamer in its glowing glass.

Keep reading

Discover more of George William Russell’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.