In Shadow (by Hart Crane)


Hart Crane
Hart Crane, 1899-1932


In Shadow

Out in the late amber afternoon,
Confused among chrysanthemums,
Her parasol, a pale balloon,
Like a waiting moon, in shadow swims.

Her furtive lace and misty hair
Over the garden dial distill
The sunlight,—then withdrawing, wear
Again the shadows at her will.

Gently yet suddenly, the sheen
Of stars inwraps her parasol.
She hears my step behind the green
Twilight, stiller than shadows, fall.

"Come, it is too late,—too late
To risk alone the light's decline:
Nor has the evening long to wait,"—
But her own words are night's and mine.



* * * *


"In Shadow" composed c. September 1917 and first published in December 1917
It also appeared in Crane's collection White Buildings

More Hart Crane is available in these volumes from Amazon:

   

 
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