71.) Far And Beyond The Distant Middle Isle . . .

Far and beyond the distant Middle Isle

Lithe silver forms in water frolicked

The sun was there, the sea was tranquil

And the ageless seal upon the rock, a selkie

That, sighing, through the riven gifted muse

Spoke of a lost or hidden day of wonder

When men would understand their crippling –

That for sorrow made the singing wind be still

And the glistening creature – a stolen wraith

Of love the lover took to hide his glory in

Found his strength to leave her firstling form

And take his pledge to lead them out of bondage

In to the lighted liberty he had promised them

All glorious from the beginning of the world

And, glad, she left her silky hide behind, and
            From the shelter of the rock swam free . . . 

                                     *