Flammantia MŒnia Mundi

I STOOD alone in purple space, and saw
The burning walls of the world like wings of flame
Circling the sphere. There was no break nor flaw
In those great fiery battlements, whence came
The spirits who had done with time and fame,
And all the playthings of earth’s little hour.
I saw them pass ; I knew them for the same, —
Mothers and brothers and the sons of power.

Yet were they changed; the fires of death had burned
Their perishable selves, and there remained
Only the pure white vision of the soul, —
The mortal part consumed, and quick returned
Ashes to ashes; while, unscathed, unstained,
The immortal passed beyond the earth’s control.

Annie Fields.