Haniel Long

From “On the Road”

THE NIGHT I brought the cows home

Blue mist was in the air,

And in my heart was heaven

And on my lips a prayer.

I raised my arms above me,

I stretched them wide apart,

And all the world was pressing

In beauty on my heart.

The lane led by a river

Along an ancient wood,

And ancient thoughts came softly

As with the leaves they should.

I hung the cows with garlands,

And proud they walked before;

While mother-naked after

A laurel branch I bore.