John H. Gavin. Immortality. Harriet Monroe, ed. Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912-22

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912–22.

Immortality

By John H. Gavin


I AM immortal as a burst of song,
That quivers from the thrush’s throat
And sinks to silence.

I am immortal as the kiss of love,
That wakes the world to melody,	5
And leaves a memory.

I am immortal as the laughing hour,
That throws her leaven on the sodden heart—
And trips away.

I am immortal as the purple dusk,	10
That drugs the weary brain to dreams,
And fades.

I am immortal as the wind of March,
That woos the barren earth to life—
And passes.	15

I am immortal as the stubborn hills,
That breast the storms of centuries,
And wear to sand.

I am immortal as the living sun,
That flames a moment in eternity,	20
And sputters out.