Maximilian Voloshin (b. 1877)

WHOSE the flying hands, about me shedding

Fire, and leading me on passionate ways?

No sonorous stones my feet are treading,

But where vatic waters fill the days.

Piercing through the spirit, sharp pilasters

Rise, and candle sting the dark like bees.

Oh, the hearts that bloom like crimson asters,

Petalled with gold-bladed ecstasies.

Now the evening on the temple flinging

Patterned, carven crimson, shines and mourns.

Oh, the pale brow to the altar clinging,

Stung anew with stinging scarlet thorns!

The whole soul, high vaults and portals glowing,

Fear like incense swathes with dim blue bands:

Ah, I know you, sacred corals, growing

On the pierced palms of these outstretched hands.